The home counties of England are those that surround London. Typically Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Surrey, and Sussex are the counties considered the "home counties" in England. These counties got their name from the army and navy personnel that needed to be able to enter and exit England quickly when deployed. People that live in these home counties are usually commuters that need to be able to travel to London quickly. These counties are almost the "metropolitian" of London. In, The Remains of the Day, the Home Counties are refrenced in regards to the Hayes Society, and the scope of their control, not just over London, but extending to the Home Counties as well.
"But in the twenties and the early thirties, it exerted a considerable influence over much of London and the Home Counties. " (page 24)
Click HERE to see a map of the home counties