The Village Idiot’s Journey: A YouTuber’s Quest to Visit All 10,474 Civil Parishes in England

In a world where digital content often focuses on the grandiose and the sensational, one YouTuber is taking a refreshingly different approach. Andy Smith, affectionately known as ‘The Village Idiot,’ has embarked on an ambitious mission to visit all 10,474 civil parishes in England. This unique geographical challenge not only showcases the beauty and diversity of rural England but also aims to preserve the history of these often-overlooked communities.

A Unique Challenge

Andy, a part-time Evri delivery driver, began his journey during the second lockdown in January 2021. With the government allowing citizens to go for walks, he seized the opportunity to explore the lesser-known corners of his country. "This is probably about the thirteen hundredth parish I’ve visited so far," he shared during a recent trip to Boroughbridge. With 10,474 parishes to explore, Andy estimates that it will take him around 30 years to complete his quest.

The Heart of Local Governance

Civil parishes are the smallest administrative units in England, often comprising quaint towns, villages, and hamlets. While many cities are wholly or partially unparished, these civil parishes hold significant historical roots. They represent the lowest tier of local government, and Andy is keen to highlight their importance. "When I say the word parish, I mean political entities, I don’t mean ecclesiastical," he clarifies. His goal is to chronicle the history and character of each parish, sharing his findings with his growing audience on YouTube.

A Day in the Life of The Village Idiot

Andy dedicates three days a week to traveling to different parishes, producing a new video every day that ranges from 10 to 30 minutes in length. With over 10,500 subscribers, his channel has garnered a loyal following. Each video begins with his catchy introduction: “Hello, my name is Andy and I am The Village Idiot, a man with a car, a GoPro, and an unhealthy amount of time on my hands.”

Before setting off, Andy conducts thorough research on each parish, ensuring he understands its boundaries and history. He dons his Village Idiot-branded hi-vis jacket and often brings his wife, Nicola, along for the journey. The filming and editing process for each video takes about four hours, but Andy finds joy in documenting village life. "You rely on each other in a village," he notes, emphasizing the close-knit nature of rural communities.

The Importance of Preservation

For Andy, preserving the history of civil parishes is a vital aspect of his mission. "It’s the kind of thing that can get sort of forgotten in today’s modern world," he explains. With society increasingly reliant on the internet, he believes that local histories risk being lost. By chronicling his visits, he hopes to keep these stories alive for future generations. "Without people such as me, it will just get forgotten," he adds modestly.

The Name Behind the Channel

The moniker ‘The Village Idiot’ has a charming backstory. Andy explains that historically, every village had its own ‘fool’—a character who was seen as the village idiot. "I just saw that and thought, ‘that sounds good, that might be a nice name,’" he recalls. While he may embrace the title with humor, he is quick to clarify that he is not an idiot, though he does admit to doing some "daft things."

A Long Road Ahead

Now at 40 years old, Andy anticipates that he will be 68 by the time he completes his monumental task. His journey is not just about visiting parishes; it’s about connecting with the people and stories that define them. "It’s just a different way of life, and it’s cool to see how different people live in different parts of the country," he reflects.

As Andy continues his travels, he invites others to join him on this remarkable journey. For those interested in exploring the charm of England’s civil parishes through his eyes, you can follow The Village Idiot on YouTube or Facebook.

In a time when many are drawn to the hustle and bustle of urban life, Andy Smith’s quest serves as a reminder of the beauty and richness found in the quieter corners of England. His mission not only celebrates local history but also fosters a sense of community and connection among viewers, making him a true ambassador for the villages he visits.