Yorkshire is UK's most genetically 'British' county, research reveals
YORKSHIRE is – genetically speaking – the UK’s most “British” county, research has revealed.
As much as 40% of the DNA of residents in Yorkshire can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxons
As much as 40 per cent of the DNA of its residents can be traced to the Anglo-Saxons, compared with 36 per cent for the average Briton.
The average genetic make-up of the typical Briton also includes 23 per cent Irish DNA and more than 37 per cent “continental European” DNA.
The new findings – from the family history website AncestryDNA – come from data taken from advanced DNA analysis using saliva tests.
Breakdowns of the results also reveal key differences between residents of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland – and also within the English regions.
The genetic make-up of the average Briton includes 23% Irish DNA
We believe our shared Europeanness is something we can all celebrate, regardless of how we voted in the referendum
In ethnically diverse London for instance, residents score more than 60 per cent “European” DNA – made up of continental European and Irish DNA.
Unsurprisingly, Yorkshire takes the crown for the lowest “European” score, with less than 58 per cent.
Meanwhile, the Welsh show the highest proportion of ancestry from Spain and Portugal.
London residents score more than 60% European DNA, including both Irish and continental European DNA
And those living in Scotland have the highest amount of Finnish and north-west Russian heritage.
Russell James, of AncestryDNA, said: “Our DNA service has enabled millions of people worldwide to find out more about their ancestral heritage.
“For many in Britain it has confirmed our strong cultural and genetic connections with other European countries. We believe our shared Europeanness is something we can all celebrate, regardless of how we voted in the referendum.”