To understand why the South Midland division extends so far south, it may help to know that some 19th-century geographers defined a Central Plain consisting of the middle parts of England, lying between the valleys of the River Trent and the River Thames to the north and south, and between the Fen district and the high ground bordering the valley of the River Severn to the east and west.[2]
The English Powerlifting Association South Midlands district covers the counties of Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight.[6]
The Pagan Federation South Midlands district covers Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire.[7]
The South Midlands League was formed by football teams from Bedfordshire and some adjoining counties.
The South Midlands Authorities covers the authorities of the Borough of Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes City, North Northamptonshire, and West Northamptonshire.[9]