Place names

In the British Isles, place names reflect their geographical location and topographical features and history.

Oxford = oxen ford — the place where the oxen cross the river. Cambridge: the bridge over the river Cam. London: Lugh’s town. Norwich: north village (wick). Southampton: south village/town. Northampton: north village/town. Lancaster: the Roman town on the River Lune. Kirby Lonsdale: the church village in the Lune Valley.

You can also identify which culture named the place from...