Page:A Glossary of Words Used In the Neighbourhood of Sheffield - Addy - 1888.djvu/66



When I began this inquiry I had no belief in the existence in this part of England of any local names—excepting the names of mountains or rivers—derived from the 'Celtic,' and only in a few rare instances in this glossary have I attempted to refer these words to the language spoken in these islands before the comming of the Teuton or the Norsemen. I have, however, elsewhere expressed the opinion that the early settlers or invaders of this country did not freely and at once intermix with the conquered or ancient people, but lived separate and apart from them. I have seen no reason to alter that opinion. On the contrary, further research has only tended to strengthen it. Not only is there the strongest a priori presumption in favour of such a state of things, but the same thing is happening now in newly-settled countries, such as the United States of America. We may see it in Yorkshire at the present day. There is a German quarter in Bradford. There is an Irish quarter, which is much the same thing as a 'Celtic' quarter, in every large town. There has been an Irish quarter in Sheffield since the year 1499, and there can be no doubt at all that the old inhabitants lived apart from their invaders, or from the colonists, many centuries before then. It may seem strange that the Anglo-Saxons should call the old inhabitants of England foreigners (wealas) in their own country. They did so, nevertheless, just as the Germans call Italy Wälschland at the present day. This accounts for the existence of such local names as Wales, Waleswood, Wolsh Stubbing, &c., which will be found in this glossary. It may also account for Brytland, which may be 'Celtic' land, or British land, and possibly for Brittains Piece, near the old earthworks in Bradfield.

Not the least interesting of the local names found in this neighbourhood is the word Barber. Barber Fields and Ringinglow, Barber Stones on the moors between Ringinglow and Fox House, Barber Nook in Crookes, and Barber Balk in Kimberworth, are not derived from the personal name Barber, the beard-shaver, but from