Description
Book SynopsisThis book discusses developments in the history of British house names from the earliest written evidence (Beowulf''s Heorot) to the twentieth century. Chapters 1 and 2 track changes from medieval naming practices such as Ceolmundingchaga and Prestebures, to present-day house names such as Fairholme and Oakdene: that is, the shift from recording the name of the householder (Sabelinesbury, ''Sabeline''s manor''), the householder''s occupation (le Taninghus, ''the tannery'') and the appearance of the house (le Brodedore, ''the broad door''); to the five main categories still in use today: the transferred place-name (Aberdeen House), the nostalgically rural (Springfield), the commemorative (Blenheim Palace), the upwardly mobile (Vernon Lodge), and the latest fashion (Fernville). The development and demise of pub names and shop names such as la Worm on the Hope and the Golden Tea Kettle & Speaking Trumpet are detailed, and the rise of heraldic names such as the Red Lion is explained. Chapt
Trade ReviewReview from previous edition There are books that wrap up a subject, and books that send the mind wandering serendipitously. Laura Wright's Sunnyside does both ... meticulously researched with respect to both the origins and the occurrences of houses called Sunnyside ... This is a provocative and enticing history of the now sadly neglected custom of naming one's house. * Christina Hardyment, Times Literary Supplement *
[...] this is an informative and enjoyable book. Any linguist who lives in a Sunnyside (there is at least one) will undoubtedly be keen to read it, and so will many others. * Geoffrey Sampson, Linguist List *
A select bibliography presents the wide array of manuscripts, printed and on-line sources used in compiling this intriguing book that moves from medieval London to branches of non-conformism and Victorian villas, then back to historic solskifte and forward again to house names in our own time. This remarkable work of erudition is not for the faint hearted. The Sunnyside journey taken by Laura Wright is complicated, even labyrinthine, but sharing it with her is well worth the effort. * Hugh Clout, Cercles *
Table of ContentsList of Abbreviations Acknowledgements List of illustrations Introduction 1: The Earliest London House Names 2: Victorian Villas 3: London's First Sunnysiders 4: Religion, Fame, and Sunnyside 5: Sunnyside and the North Appendix 1 Pre-1400 London House Names Appendix 2 House Names from William Porlond's Book Appendix 3 Stagecoach Names Sunnyside Gazetteer References Index
