Watling Street

A few will be aware I have been known to speak on various subjects over the years. Fundamentally these all revolve around my favourite subject of etymology. Have always enjoyed bringing this fascinating subject to others. It’s not for me to say whether the audiences have, although many have asked me to return.

Thought it might be worthwhile sharing a snippet or two from these etymological presentations, continuing with Watling Street. This famous 'Roman road' and why it is more than one road and indeed why it was a road several hundred years before the Roman Empire even existed. There is a PowerPoint presentation to accompany this talk if required.

A couple of teasers on Roman roads – none of them were named by the Romans, for all but one are known as ‘street’, which comes from Old English straet meaning ‘paved road’. The exception being the Fosse Way, also named by the Saxons from Old English fossa meaning ‘ditch’.

There is around 2,000 miles of Roman roads in the UK, but if we include undiscovered and minor routes, it is thought that figure could be as much as 6,000 miles.

If you think you know someone who would like to hear me speak on this subject, drop me a line.