Accrington and District Probus Club

Peter Watson made a return visit to the Accrington and District Probus club, on this occasion to tell us about the history of surnames.

Peter combined a wealth of fascinating information on the subject, with an ability to turn what could be a boring subject, into a morning of hilarious entertainment.

Using the ‘low-tech’ approach of a flip board of white paper and a black marker, he took us back into the middle ages and before, explaining how several people with the same single name could be identified using some physical feature such as a broken nose.

Alternatively where they live, such as the top of a hill, in a valley or by a river could be added.

The feature or location added to the name would then be retained by future generations.

Over time words were written down as they sounded and several spellings would exist.

In addition the feature or location which gave rise to the surname would no longer apply.

Peter explained how some modern names had their origin.

Darwen or Darwin meant bright water.

The talk ended with an invitation for members to consult a book of surnames before a vote of thanks was given by Audrey Fairley.

At our next meeting on July 18, Brian Ashcroft, a volunteer at Brockholes, will talk about wildlife under threat.