Book of English Place Names

Take a journey down winding lanes and Roman roads in this witty and informative guide to the meanings behind the names of England's towns and villages. From Celtic farmers to Norman conquerors, right up to the Industrial Revolution, deciphering our place names reveals how generations of our ancestors lived, worked, travelled and worshipped, and how their influence has shaped our landscape.

From the most ancient sacred sites to towns that take their names from stories of giants and knights, learn how Roman garrisons became our great cities, and discover how a meeting of the roads could become a thriving market town. Region by region, Caroline Taggart uncovers hidden meanings to reveal a patchwork of tall tales and ancient legends that collectively tells the story of how we made England.

Reviews

Will enliven a journey through even the dullest parts of the country.—Lonely Planet

Taggart has researched hidden meanings to reveal a patchwork of tall tales and legends that reveal the history of England's often oddly named towns and villages...If you want to know your wick from your ham and your ton from your bury, this quirky little hardback is worth picking up.—Manchester Evening News

Caroline Taggart...has carved out a niche for herself in user-friendly, wittily-written factual books.—Yorkshire Post