13 fascinating meanings behind place names in and around Preston - from Oliver Cromwell to a Viking's house
By Catherine Musgrove
Published 28th Apr 2023, 15:45 BST
The towns, villages and hamlets around Preston have a rich history dating back thousands of years.
Earliest settlements are even mentioned in the Domesday Book.
But where do their names come from?
Do you know why Preston is called Preston, where Goosnargh comes from, or that Oliver Cromwell has played his part naming one town?
We’ve researched 13 different places in the area to discover the heritage of their titles. Take a look below.
Do you know why Preston is called Preston, where Goosnargh comes from, or that Oliver Cromwell has played his part naming one town?
5. Goosnargh
Goosnargh: The name, meaning "Gosan's or Gusan's hill pasture", derives from Gosan or Gusan (an Old Irish personal name) and erg (Norse for "hill pasture"). The name appeared in the Domesday Book as Gusansarghe but by 1212 had changed to Gosenargh, closer to today's pronunciation. Photo: Google
Avenham: The name Avenham derives from the Old Norse nam, meaning an intack, that is land taken into an existing estate. The neighbouring land belonged to Alderman T. Miller, who, in 1864, gave it to the town to become Miller Park. Photo: Google