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Acrylic-bob · 04-02-2005, 07:30

Where written history is absent then we have to rely on what evidence remains to date the places where we live.

Altham. Hapton, Accrington all contain elements of Saxon naming conventions. The "AL" element indicates a place of worship, the "HAM element indicates a home or village. Thus AL - T - HAM can be seen as a village with a temple or church. The "TON" element indicates a farm or village. These date places from the seventh century onwards (600 AD +). In the ninth century (800 AD +) Lancashire was invaded by "Norse" men (Vikings and Danes) and many Saxon settlements were taken over by the invaders as they settled in the area. The "Kirk" element in Church Kirk dates from this period.

Many Viking place names contain personal name elements too. Thus Accrington can be seen as a village belonging to a person named, perhaps, "Accaring" which he nicked off the original Saxon inhabitants.

Where does this place Huncoat? In much the same confused place it seems. The "HUN" element is a Viking personal name, while the "COT" element is Saxon and means a small hut. So Hun had a small hut there at some time in the ninth century.

All these places were in existence by 850 AD because they were included in the Parish of Whalley.

Does this help?

04-02-2005, 07:30	#12
Acrylic-bob God Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Tragic Conn Posts: 4,007 Blog Entries: 15 Liked: 3 times Rep Power: 2473	Re: Oldest Part Of Accrington! Where written history is absent then we have to rely on what evidence remains to date the places where we live. Altham. Hapton, Accrington all contain elements of Saxon naming conventions. The "AL" element indicates a place of worship, the "HAM element indicates a home or village. Thus AL - T - HAM can be seen as a village with a temple or church. The "TON" element indicates a farm or village. These date places from the seventh century onwards (600 AD +). In the ninth century (800 AD +) Lancashire was invaded by "Norse" men (Vikings and Danes) and many Saxon settlements were taken over by the invaders as they settled in the area. The "Kirk" element in Church Kirk dates from this period. Many Viking place names contain personal name elements too. Thus Accrington can be seen as a village belonging to a person named, perhaps, "Accaring" which he nicked off the original Saxon inhabitants. Where does this place Huncoat? In much the same confused place it seems. The "HUN" element is a Viking personal name, while the "COT" element is Saxon and means a small hut. So Hun had a small hut there at some time in the ninth century. All these places were in existence by 850 AD because they were included in the Parish of Whalley. Does this help? __________________ Enough is ENOUGH Get Britain out of Europe