Product Description

Over 15,000 A-Z entries covering England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, make this the most comprehensive and up-to-date dictionary of British place names available. From Abbas Combe to Zennor, it gives the meaning and origin of names of counties, towns, and villages, tracing their development from earliest times to the present day. Invaluable for anyone finding out about a local area, lexicographers and local historians alike will be fascinated by what these place-names reveal. The dictionary features an in-depth introductory essay which discusses the chronology and development of British place-names, different types of formation, and sections focusing on Irish, Welsh, and Scottish place-names. It also includes an extensive bibliography for further research, maps of Britain showing old and new boundaries, and provides a Glossary of common elements in place-names. This critically acclaimed dictionary has been described as 'an indispensable travellling companion' (Landscape History), and 'another volume for every local historian's bookshelf' (Local Historian).

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #33529 in Books
• Published on: 2003-10-09
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 582 pages

About the Author
A.D. Mills is Emeritus Reader in English, University of London, and is a member of the Council of English Place-Name Society and the Society for Name Studies in Britain and Ireland. His books include Dictionary of London Place Names (OUP, 2001).

Customer Reviews

It does exactly what it says on the cover
If you ever wondered about the meaning of place names then this neat little volume will meet your needs. No larger than a paperback novel it will fit neatly in your car's glove box.

It contains useful prefices and appendices with information on how to to analyse any place names not listed in the main section although, regretably, it neither listed nor gave me any help with the etymology of the one place name I wanted to learn more about.

Well worth the money!
Reading the other reviews for this title, I was led to believe that it wasn't as good as it could be however I bought it regardless, because in comparison to the other titles available, it still seemed the best. I have found it to be informative, easy to use and extremely interesting. It doesn't contain every single place name in the British Isles but it contains all the main ones including many references to the main gaelic place names too.

The Republic of Ireland IS in the British Isles
You idiot. If you're going to spend half your review moaning about an error, at least make it a real one. The British Isles comprises Great Britain, Ireland and the small islands (such as the Isles of Scilly, Isle of Wight) surrounding them.