Swallowhead Springs 5
Image by A R Cane
Swallowhead Springs

Swallowhead Springs, Avebury

tjj T
tjj Dec 7, 2012 14:23:09
Replying to tiompan

tiompan wrote:
tiompan wrote:
Sanctuary wrote:
Viewed from the air or a map, the Swallowhead Springs take the form of a Swallow's head, so that presumably is where the name came from...or does it? http://www.avebury-web.co.uk/avebury_map.html

If they were named prior to there being flight by aircraft or balloon then how did the name come about because you wouldn't gather it looked like a Swallow's head at ground level would you.

Thoughts?

The name Swallowhead is found elsewhere , e.g. Fylingdales but more importantly at springs . Rather than resembling a bird's head is it not a case that swallow derives from swell ?
Looks like swell comes from Swal . Scroll down to Rhiannon's notes.
http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/7974/swallowhead_springs.html
I'd go with that - the definition of the word swallet is pretty close.
"an underground stream; also : an opening through which a stream disappears underground"
www.merriam-webster.com

H Harryshill
Harryshill Dec 7, 2012 14:29:35
Replying to tjj

When they made the early maps, I assume the area was surveyed.

Could it be the Map makers gave it the name when it's shape became clear. The locals might not have had a name for it.

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