September 20, 2007

What's in a name?

From where do the names of towns in England originate?

  • Chipping Sodbury (from the Anglo-Saxon as Soppanbyrig meaning"Soppa's fort". "Chipping" means that a market was held there)
  • Leighton Buzzard ("Leighton" is an Old English language term meaning a clearing in the woods. The "Buzzard" was added as the name of the local representative to that of the town.-- at one time Theobald de Busar)
  • Barrow upon Soar (barrow, meaning "hill" and Soar being the river. Therefore: hill on the river Soar)
  • Loggerheads (apparently named for the local pub which pre-dates the town)
  • Curry Rivel (your guess is as good as mine.)

All honest-to-goodness names of towns in England.

(Actually, this entire post is an excuse for the fact that I just like to say "Chipping Sodbury")

No comments: