Renaming towns with rubbish names
Discussion
Frimley111R said:
Does this happen? I often go past Bognor Regis and think, 'Why don't they change the name of this place, it sounds bloody awful'. Same for Skegness, and I am sure loads of others...
What's wrong with the name Skegness? It's old Norse, as are the origins of many place names in Lincolnshire. I like the quirkiness of English place names e.g. Westward Ho! or Nempnett Thrubwell or Steeple Bumpstead. More please!
Frimley111R said:
Does this happen? I often go past Bognor Regis and think, 'Why don't they change the name of this place, it sounds bloody awful'. Same for Skegness, and I am sure loads of others...
It already has, twice! Wikipedia said:
Bognor Regis was originally named just "Bognor", being a fishing (and smuggling) village until the 18th century, when it was converted into a resort by Sir Richard Hotham who renamed the settlement Hothamton, although this did not catch on.
In 1929 the area was chosen by advisors to King George V which led to its regal suffix, by royal consent.
In 1929 the area was chosen by advisors to King George V which led to its regal suffix, by royal consent.
Most names will have a historic significance somewhere. Bognor in the OP goes back 1500 years or so and the Regis is a recognition of its role in treating King George V. The point is that most place names have historic significance. When they are changed many people continue to use the old name anyway and people moan about the cost of changes.
Saying that many places around the world have changed their name to conceal history or over write it. Russia, India, South Africa and others all changing names to remove colonial references or names of previous rulers etc. We dont really have that issue in the UK as it was us forcing our names on others in history generally. It always makes me laugh when you go somewhere named after somewhere in the UK and find it the opposite of what it is here. Mayfair for instance in Johannesburg South Africa is a s
t hole.
Saying that many places around the world have changed their name to conceal history or over write it. Russia, India, South Africa and others all changing names to remove colonial references or names of previous rulers etc. We dont really have that issue in the UK as it was us forcing our names on others in history generally. It always makes me laugh when you go somewhere named after somewhere in the UK and find it the opposite of what it is here. Mayfair for instance in Johannesburg South Africa is a s
t hole.
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