This book explains the meanings of more than 1500 place-names and discusses the techniques by which this information is obtained. It is not limited to England, but includes names from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the Isle of Man. In ordinary language, and assuming no special knowledge on the reader's part, the author briefly discusses a wide selection of names of counties, towns, villages, rivers, forests and hills. Names introduced or revived as a result of local government reorganisation are also considered. This book - the only short work covering the place-names of the whole of the British Isles - includes a comprehensive index and a glossary of terms. This fourth edition has been revised and updated by Dr Margaret Gelling.