Re: whats in a name? | Forum — The Modern Antiquarian

Lancashire 17

Image by treehugger-uk

whats in a name?

more_vert

Rivington Pike Aug 30, 2005 21:31:02

Replying to treehugger-uk

Hi Mr. T,

From Ekwall "The Place-Names of Lancashire".

"Warbreck : Beacon Hill from the O.N. vardi - beacon and brekka - slope.

Warbreck stands on a ridge of 100 ft on which is also a place called "Knowle" (O.E. cnoll "knoll")

Wardebrec C 1140, Wardebrecca C 1147, Wardebrech 1155, Warthebreck C1324.

You only needed to ask !!

Riv ;0))

PeterH Aug 30, 2005 22:42:24

Replying to Rivington Pike

Ekwall gives a little bit more in his Dictionary of English Place-names. Yes - he does give Warbreck as meaning Beacon Hill, but also comments on the elements. War is from the Old Norse "varda" or "vardi" meaning "cairn" - also found at Warboys, Warcop and Warthall. breck is from "brekka" meaning a hill or slope.

So while up on Warbreck - you might want to look for a cairn.