Crow

Why are there so many idioms and phrases including 'crow'? While crows, indeed all the corvid family, are known for their intelligence, it would seem more likely that these creatures are associated with all manner of myths and superstitions which has resulted in them being found in so many idioms.

Eat crow is an American phrase used to suggest one should put up with it. This is born of the idea that the flesh of the bird is edible, albeit probably not desirable. The phrase is found from the 1870s, and in the early years as often seen as ‘eat boiled crow’.

Crow’s feet, the lines at corner of the eye, have been described as such since 1385 when they appear in the writings of no less a literary giant than Chaucer.

To crow, as in to boast, today is seen as the sound made by a rooster, but originally this referred to the sound of a crow and continued to do so until at least the 16th century.

Scarecrows, the name self-explanatory, have been known as such since the 1550s but then it was an actual human employed to do the job. The straw figure came into use around the end of the 16th century. Earlier the same figure was referred to as a ‘shewel’, also found are fray-boggard, skerel, and shoy-hoy.

Crowsnest, the look-out high on a mast of a ship, is not found until 1818 – probably used beforehand but beware history authors putting them into their works set in the 18th century and earlier.

Pilcrow is a now obsolete term, but will be found in documents used to refer to a paragraph mark or an asterisk.

Crowbars have been named as such since at least 1748, although prior to that it was simply known as a crow.

As mentioned the amount of folklore associated with the crow family is remarkable. Magpies carry a drop of the devil’s blood under their tongue; a crow over a house foretells a death within that home; three magpies seen together is seen as unlucky (or death); five crows together promises sickness; crows in a churchyard are a bad omen; two crows flying from the left is bad luck (just face the other way!); the French once believed evil priests became crows and bad nuns were turned into magpies; Go to crows was used instead of Go to hell by the Greeks; I have a bone to pick with you used to be I have a crow to pick with you; the Irish expression ‘You’ll follow the crows for it’ meant a person would miss something when it’s gone; in Somerset folk would carry an onion to ward off the ills of crows and magpies; in Wales it was unlucky to have a crow cross your path; and when crows were quiet during their summer moult, it was believed they were preparing their plumage to meet the devil.

New Zealand Place Names Explained

Having blogged samples of my books on English place names and also examined the etymologies of the nations of the world and their respective capitals I thought it time I cast my net a little wider. As English place names share some links to other tongues it would be interesting to see if any of the elements contributing to our place names could be found elsewhere. Continuing an alphabetical tour of the world and a look at the largest New Zealand cities.

Auckland was named in 1840 by William Hobson, Lieutenant-Governor of New Zealand. He chose the name of George Eden, Earl of Auckland and British First Lord of the Admirality. His title came from Auckland in Durham, correctly Bishop Auckland to show the area was held by the Bishop of Durham. The main part of the name comes from Cumbric, describing 'the rock on the Clyde'. Today the local river is the Gaunless but changes in river names and even different names for the same river were not only common in history but to be expected. Further details on the place name can be found in my County Durham Place Names. For the Maori this was known as Tamaki Makaurau, or 'Tamaki with a hundred lovers' and a reference to a fertile place where many rivers converge.

Wellington is named after Arthur Wellesley, first Duke of Wellington. His name chosen in 1840, not because of his earlier victory at Waterloo but, for his support for the New Zealand Company and their principles of colonisation. His title comes from the Somerset town, a name meaning 'the farmstead associated with a man named Weola'. Further details on the place name be found in my Somerset Place Names. For the Maori the area now occupied by the modern city had been known by three names. Te Whanganui-a-Tara, this the harbour area, refers to 'the great harbour of Tara'; Poneke is the transliteration of Port Nick or Port Nicholson, the central and sacred part of the city; and Te Upoko-o-te-Ika-a-Maui or 'the head of the fish of Maui' and a reference to the demi-god who is said to have fished the island from the sea.

Christchurch officially took its name on 27 March 1848. Founder John Robert Godley suggested uit as he was educated at Christ Church, Oxford. The Maori know the place as Otautahi 'the place of Tautahi', a seasonal home of chief Te Potiki Tautahi and known as such since the 1930s. Earlier the name of Karaitiana, a transliteration of the English 'Christian'.

Hamilton was found 24 August 1864 by Colonel William Moule, who named the place to honour Captain John Fane Charles Hamilton, commander of HMS Esk, killed at the Battle of Gate Pa, Tauranga in 1864.

Tauranga retains its original Maori name, it refers to the natural harbour as 'the place of rest or anchorage'.

Napier is today officially joined with Hastings, but as a place name it stands alone. It is named after the British army officer General Sir Charles Napier (1782-1853).

Hastings is a name transferred from the place on the south coast of England which comes from 'place of the family or followers of a man called Haesta', further information can be found in my East Sussex Place Names. However the name was brought here as a personal name, he Warren Hastings, the first Governor-General of Bengal. Some sources suggest the place had earlier been known as Hicksville, named after Francis Hicks who bought a one hundred acre plot which now forms the centre of the city.

Dunedin is another colony established by the New Zealand Company, here many came from Scotland and they chose to name the place for the Gaelic name for Edinburgh Dun Eideann and meaning 'the stronghold of Eidyn'.

Palmerston was known as Papa-i-Oea, 'how beautiful it is', until colonists arrived in the middle of the 19th century and renamed it in honour of Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston who served two terms as Britain's prime minister.

Nelson is, somewhat predictably, named after Admiral Horatio Nelson. Yet he is not the only combatant at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, many roads and areas in the city also remember people and ships involved in the defeat of the French and Spanish fleets. The Maori name is Whakatu and means 'build, establish, raise'.

Rotorua takes its name from the Maori Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoe 'the second great lake of Kahumatamomoe', he the uncle of the Maori chief Ihenga and this the second great lake he discovered and thus named to honour his uncle.

Whangarei is another Maori name, it is derived from two words whanga 'harbour' and rei 'cherished possession'.

New Plymouth, named because it was not the original, took its name from the English city as this was where the first English settlers both migrated and arrived, just as had happened with North America. Plymouth has a rather complex origin, one explained in detail in both my Cornwall Place Names and South Devon Place Names. Briefly, it is named as being at the mouth of the River Plym, itself named for Plymstock. The Maori name was Ngamotu.

Invercargill is a created 'Scottish' place name, where the Gaelic inbhir, used in a number of Scotland place names and meaning 'river mouth' precedes the surname of Captain William Cargill, then the Superintendent of Otago.

Whanganui is the modern accepted spelling, officially changed in 2009 from Wanganui although both spellings are acceptable. The Maori whanga nui means 'big bay' and retained its original name even though the New Zealand Company called it Petre after Lord Petre who worked for the company.

Gisborne was known to the Maori as Turanga-nui-a-Kiwa or 'the great standing place of Kiwa'. In 1870 the name changed to Gisbourne to honour New Zeland Colonial Secretary William Gisborne (1825-1898).

Haast was named after Julius von Haast, a German geologist who was knighted for his services to geology in New Zealand.

Note the spellings of the places are English as the piece is written in English.

Beeching 50 Years On

March 2013 marks fifty years since the Beeching Axe fell upon the nation’s railway system. The recommendations made by the infamous report were greeted with horror and indignation then and the furore is rekindled simply at the mention of Beeching’s name.

Dr Richard Beeching was a businessman; he had no connection with the railways. Thus any decisions that were made were based solely upon the logic of profit margins, efficiency and reinvestment, never to be swayed by sentiment. Yet still his name is remembered in an almost Quisling-esque light as the man who decimated the railways. Even British situation comedy used his infamy: thirty years after its publication, writers David Croft and Richard Spendlove, in conjunction with the BBC, produced twenty episodes in a series entitled Oh, Doctor Beeching!

Five decades have passed and, with hindsight, we now see that the report did more than any other factor to preserve the nation’s railway heritage. Without it the buildings, disused lines, locomotives, rolling stock, signalling systems and signs would simply have been removed and tucked into a corner to be forgotten, or even rotted away.

In this book we shall look at the positive effects the report has had, not on the railways themselves – that has been done many times – but on the opportunities which would never have arisen otherwise. We shall look at the gentle gradients of old lines, perfect for walkers and cyclists alike. Buildings, no longer used as stations and sheds, are now private residences, small businesses, holiday homes and public meeting places.

Memorabilia, often described as railwayana, which would otherwise have rusted away, now command prices at collectors’ auctions which would astound those who lovingly painted and polished them. And, of course, we shall look at the heritage railways which attract many thousands each year. They not only allow volunteers to enjoy railways at a level they could otherwise never have imagined, they have also provided employment for others as engineers, station staff, and so on.

Maybe by the end of the book Dr Beeching will be seen in a slightly different light by the reader: not as the saviour of Britain’s railways, but as someone whose name should be associated with a whole new area of leisure for all and indeed pleasure for those who can swap 00 gauge for 4ft 8in (1.44m).

As part of the launch The History Press will be at the West Somerset Railway Spring Gala 2013 between Friday 22nd and Sunday 24th March at the Railway Literary Festival.

As usual I would welcome any suggestions for themes or subjects, or even specific words to examine the origins, meanings and etymologies. I’d be delighted to hear from you.

Somerset Place Names

A couple of years ago my Somerset Place Names was published. Recently I was asked the origin of the cathedral city of Wells and, having sold that person a copy of the book, offer the full entry for this delightful corner of England which can boast the smallest population of any cathedral city in England.

Wells

We hardly need the records of Willan from 1050 and that of Welle in 1086 to see this is from Old English wella to describe 'the springs'.

The Fountain Inn may be heraldic, representing the Master Mariners or Company of Plumbers but, considering the meaning of the name of the city, most likely refers to the local spring. The Globe Inn represents a simple image and also hints that all are welcome, while the Kings Head refers to the monarchy in general, and the scenic splendour to the northwest is marked by the name of the Cheddar Valley Inn.

The streets of this small city have their own tale to tell. What was changed to Union Street in the middle of the 19th century had formerly been Grope Street, a name which tells us it was narrow and poorly lit, hence pedestrians having to grope their way along in the dark. Priest Row was probably named after the 13th century priest who lived here. Vicar's Close was named after another cleric, Thomas de Devnysche, who bequeathed this land to the city for development in his 14th century will. Wet Lane no longer exists for it is now called Broad Street, although on the day the author visited both names were equally appropriate.

Ash Lane took its name from the ash trees which grew around here. Chamberlain Street was named after the official who decided to clean up what had previously been, both in name and in actuality, Beggar Street. Market Street also enjoyed a change of name from Mede Street, the former name showing this had previously been the back way into the centre while the present version is self-explanatory. Moniers Lane is named after the respected Peter le Monier, a moneyer who plied his 'trade' between Dartmouth, Exeter, Wells and Bristol and everywhere in between during the 13th century. Sadler Street remembers John Sadler, a 15th century merchant who received a 'necessary pardon' after the Wars of the Roses, for he had backed the losing side but his worth to the city saved him. Tucker Street shows cloth making was here from an early time for this was an early alternative name for a weaver.

Of course the city has a long association with the church and the streets also reflect this. The cathedral is dedicated to St Andrew, founded in 705 the present building dates from 1180, the name was transferred to St Andrews Street. St Cuthbert Street takes its name from the church, this being the third building dedicated to St Cuthbert and dates from the 13th century. St Thomas Street leads to the church built by Teulon, the architect being hired by Dean Jenkyns to cater for the poor of the parish. Sadly the benefactor did not live to see the beginning of the work which was completed in three years. Furthermore neither did his widow, Troth Jenkyns, who also died before the church opened to parishioners, from a chill she caught during the ceremony of laying the foundation stone.

I would welcome any suggestions for themes or subjects, or even specific words to examine the origins, meanings and etymologies. I’d be delighted to hear from you.

The Etymology of Bridgwater, Somerset

In response to an email recieved this week asking why there is no 'e' at the end of the 'bridge' in Bridgwater, I recall the entry for the town from my book Somerset Place Names.

A name which, not surprisingly, is seen as 'the bridge over the water' and where one 'e' has been lost over the centuries. The missing vowel is correct but the definition is not. The record from Domesday gives this place as Brugie, while a century later in 1194 this has become Bridgewaltier. This 12th century example is significant for it shows that the second part cannot be 'water', for this is never seen in forms this early. The true origin here is 'the place at the bridge held by a man called Walter', with the suffix and early name coming from Old English brycg. While this individual is neither known nor recorded, it was a popular name at the time and is undoubtedly the basis for the place name.
Locally we find Barclay Street, named after the Barclay Arms Inn. Castle Bailey takes the name of the medieval castle, as does Castle Street. Yet the latter was earlier known as Chandos Street and what is now Chandos Street was once Little Chandos Street and the two remember the family name of the Duke of Buckingham who funded these developments.
Eastover was recorded as Estovre in 1323, a name describing 'the 'eastern bank of land'. Horse Pond was where these animals were taken for centuries to be watered in Durleigh Brook. Friarn Street and Friarn Avenue are named after the Franciscan Friary which was founded here in the 13th century. Penel Orlieu was originally two streets named from a member of the family which should have been Orloue.
Other pubs here include the Cross Rifles, acknowledging the formation of the local Rifle Volunteer Force in 1859. The Great Escape may conjure up images of the film of that name, but it is used here as a message of invitation to get away from it all for a while, similarly the Bunch of Grapes advertises the product on sale within. The Bristol and Exeter remembers the railway line which served these places and which was opened in 1840.
Patriotic names include the Rose & Crown, the Three Lions, the British Flag, and the King Alfred Inn which remembers the man who united the English against the Danes. The Green Dragon shows this was associated with the holdings of the earls of Pembroke, while the Quantock Inn refers to the hills of that name to the north and which are defined under their own name.
The Parrett Inn overlooks the River Parrett across Salmon Parade for this was where these coveted food fish were brought. Horse Pond was a watering hole for horses on the Durleigh Brook for centuries. High Street is only above the remaining roads in importance and stature, not elevation. St Mary Street is overlooked by the church which gave it a name, while Friarn Street remembers the 13th century Franciscan Friary. Chandos Street features the family name of the dukes of Buckingham. Castle Street and Castle Bailey are reminders of the medieval castle, however neither the town moat and Moat Lane are no more. Dampiet Street was listed as Damyet Street five centuries ago, which shows it featured a raised area to help prevent flooding. Penel Orlieu is an unusual street name, with an even more unusual evolution for it comes from two former streets Pynel Street and Orliue Street which, in turn, are named from former residents.
One of the town's best known sons is remembered by Blake Street. Robert Blake was born in Bridgwater in August 1598, the eldest of twelve sons he was educated before carrying on his father business. Blake's first 40 years are quite unremarkable, indeed surprisingly so considering what he achieved afterwards. In 1640 he entered parliament, representing his home town. During the Civil War he served under Popham, securing decisive victories against Prince Maurice at Lyme in 1644, followed by a major turning point in the war with victory at Taunton after a battle which lasted a year. In 1649 he was given command of the fleet, winning naval engagements against isolated Royalist strongholds in Scilly and Jersey, defeated the Dutch, routed pirates in Tunis and Algiers, and virtually eliminated the Spanish at Santa Cruz. It was when returning from that final victory when, on 7th August 1657 and in sight of Plymouth Harbour, Admiral Robert Blake died.

Somerset Place Names

This week saw the publication of Somerset Place Names - a bit of a landmark as it is the twelfth book I have had published in the last twelve months. Among those twelve was Nottinghamshire Place Names, which has just been chosen as the 'Local History Book of the Month' by a local newspaper - not exactly the Oscars, but every little helps!

I thought I would produce an excerpt from Somerset Place Names and have chosen the coastal town of Watchet.

WATCHET

The earliest surviving record is from 962 as Waecet and later as Wacet in Domesday. The origins are uncertain but likely to refer to a Celtic ced and tells of 'the lower wood'.

Here customers at the Valiant Soldier Inn, a term which is most often used to describe those who fought in the English Civil War, but could equally describe anyone who fought at the front. The Clipper Inn remembers the sailing ships which were the pinnacle of design, the fastest thing on the sea until steam power became more efficient.

Alongside the harbour at Watchet stand two statues, the largest marks the time spent in the coastal town by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, where he was said to have been inspired to write The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. While the fictional mariner has his back to the sea, the smaller statue quite rightly faces out toward the Irish Sea. This is John Short, better known as Yankee Jack, who was born here in 1839. He joined his father in trading along the coast at the age of 14 but four years later headed out on his own to explore the ocean proper and travelled the world, he saw the Mediterranean, Australia, Canada, and Bombay sailing east indiamen, schooners and even steam-assisted vessels, while during the American Civil War he was aboard North American vessels which earned him the soubriquet Yankee Jack.

He is best remembered as a shantyman, his art developed with shantying which was not what we know today prior to the late 19th century. In 1914 he retired from his voyages to return to Watchet and care for his ailing wife. It was here he met Cecil Sharp who already had a reputation for collecting English folk songs. John Short gave him fifty shanties, forming a large part of the published collection, featuring any theme which would produce a pace to which the seamen could pull and heave. This covered cotton workers, tales from the heart, lust, storytelling, myths and reputations, anything was considered fair game for John Short, the shantyman. Sir Richard Terry later visited the man who had also seen life as the Town Crier and leading the local fire brigade. Without John Short and his two author friends many of the sea shanties would have been lost - maybe we would never have known Rio Grande, Shenandoah, Blow The Man Down, A Roving or Spanish Ladies.

This son of Watchet was a favourite of the local historian, author, and former curator of the museum Ben Norman and this statue was his project. Sadly Ben died two months before the statue was unveiled by his widow Margaret. The statue is as much a monument to Ben Norman as to Yankee Jack, who died at the grand old age of 94.