English Place-Names Explained

England's Living History

by Charles Whynne-Hammond

A comprehensive study of English place-names - their linguistic roots, historical connections and meanings. Includes a county-by-county guide to the main place-names and their origins.

Genres: History

256 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2005

Reviews

[Janna G. Noelle]

I read this book as research for a project. It was very interesting and informative, discussing both the ancient settlement history of England and all the various elements and linguistic influences that have gone into naming English places, such as natural features, professions, transportation routes, folk and tribal names, agriculture, and colonization. Also useful was the glossary of prefixes and suffixes that are commonly found in England, as well as the 100-page county-by-county breakdown of the names of countless English locales.

[M A Redhead]

Fascinating Book

Fascinating and full of interesting information that is easy to read without being boring. Finished too soon but great to see towns and villages listed at the end per county as well as the scattering of references during the narrative. Would highly recommend.

[Geoffrey Sutton]

An interesting summary of place names in England as suggested by the title. The end material provides helpful descriptions of places and roots of names e.g., Saxon words.