Anglo-Saxon Place Names

Anglo-Saxon place names are geographic names in England derived from the language and culture of the Anglo-Saxons, who settled there from the 5th to the 11th centuries. These names often describe features of the landscape, local activities, or landmarks, such as “borough” meaning a fortified place, “ford” indicating a river crossing, or “ham” meaning village. Understanding these names reveals historical insights into the geography, land use, and settlements of early medieval England, blending linguistic roots with physical and social features of the past.