“The History of Place names in England & Worcestershire” by Mike Jenkins

Dr Mike Jenkins obviously has a love of history and of how the names of our towns and villages have evolved over the centuries.

This well produced book is assisted by a very comprehensive index, something which is sadly omitted from many local books on cost grounds. Yet here it is included, with some 18 pages where you can look up a broad miscellany of names; as diverse as Worcester, Wychavon, Winchcombe to even Washington D.C. Therefore it is easy to find a specific town of particular interest.

After an initial introduction entitled “The Foundation” the author moves into a history of “Populating Britain” by region, ethnic group, even invader. There follows a record of “The Place names of Worcestershire” again by ethnicity, where the author clearly presents his research unfolding interesting detail for locations close and further afield.

In addition to our town, of Tewkesbury, other Gloucestershire locations are detailed. Across the county borders, Bredon Hill which receives multiple listings, alongside Kemerton, Conderton, Puckeridge and Broadway, to name but a few. A diversity of hills are featured from the Malverns, Cotswolds to Cleeve Hill, even the Chilterns. Heading just slightly further afield Pershore and then the etymology of the names of Evesham receives particular attention.

This is a strangely beguiling book, one which is likely to be taken down off the shelf and referred to many times. A great gift.

If the author’s name seems familiar, Dr Mike Jenkins is well known to some in Worcestershire as he was the Head of various Medical Organisations relating to Education and Professional regulation.