A British expatriate living in Australia has playfully staked a claim to a massive portion of the Northern Territory, dubbing it 'New Yorkshire' in a light-hearted nod to his homeland. Pete Swales, originally from Yorkshire, UK, has drawn attention with his tongue-in-cheek declaration, which covers an area roughly the size of the United Kingdom itself.
The Outback's New 'Yorkshire'
Swales, who now resides in the remote Australian outback, decided to mark his territory—literally—by humorously renaming a vast expanse of land after his native county. The self-proclaimed 'New Yorkshire' spans approximately 240,000 square kilometres, making it larger than the entire UK.
A Humorous Take on Colonial History
The move is a playful jab at colonial history, with Swales joking about 'claiming land for Britain' in the same way early explorers did centuries ago. His antics have amused locals and fellow expats alike, though some have questioned whether the Australian government might take issue with his unofficial renaming.
Pete Swales: The Man Behind the Claim
Swales, who moved to Australia over a decade ago, is known for his dry British wit and love of the outback. He insists his declaration is purely for fun, with no serious intent to challenge Australian sovereignty. 'It’s just a bit of banter,' he said. 'Though if they want to make me governor, I wouldn’t say no.'
The story has since gone viral, with many Brits and Australians alike sharing the joke online. Whether 'New Yorkshire' will stick as a nickname remains to be seen, but for now, it’s a humorous reminder of the enduring ties between the two nations.
