A Dictionary of British Place Names

by A.D. Mills

An expanded version of the best-selling Dictionary of English Place-Names, this dictionary now also covers Scottish, Welsh, and Irish place-names. From Abbas Combe to Zennor it gives the meaning and origin of over 15,000 British place-names.

Genres: Reference, Language, Nonfiction

576 pages, Paperback

First published November 6, 2003

Reviews

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very useful quick reference to place-names BUT why on earth did the author call it "British Place Names"? I actually like the fact that it includes so many Irish place-names and the author does a good job on them as well. It is great to see the names of our islands (British, Irish and Manx) mixed together just as our history has always been and may that continue in peace and collaboration. I believe the book would even have better sales possiblities if called the by the more accurate (and more respectful) title "British & Irish Place Names". In return we solemly promise not to include William Shakespeare, William Wordsworth, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens or even David Mills in our compendium of "Irish Authors". One reviewer suggested that the Isle of Man is not British either so that might also be incorporated into the title.

I did miss out on some of the names I was curious about, e.g., many place names in the beautiful Isles of Scilly. A wonderful addition to this book would be to include the pronunciation of the names. What's the good of knowing how "Mousehole" got its name if we mispronounce it ... not to mention "Cwmystwyth" and "Ysbyty Ystwyth "! We could reduce the number of tourists looking for "war witch", "done leg hairy", "kirk cud bright" and "god manchester".

Anyway, forgive the author for the title and buy the book! It's useful when you need it and still fascinating when you don't!

[Kartolik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like book

[Brian Gowthorpe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid, even if it doesn't mention my eponymous village.