Place Name

Downside, Somerset, England

There be no downside to livin ‘ere, everythin be on the up!

Introduction:

Welcome to Downside, me luvver. Jus sayin the name makes folk chuckle like they’ve heard a rude joke in church. Sounds like a place where everythin be gloomy, but truth be told, Downside be one o the happiest, smiliest, cider‑soaked corners o Somerset.

Round ‘ere, folk’ll tell ee to “take the high road,” but they mean the one leadin straight to the pub, where the ale be flowin, the banter be thick as clotted cream and the locals be laughin like they’ve never had a bad day in their lives. It be a place full o charm, fields, friendly faces and that slow Somerset drawl what makes every sentence sound like it’s been warmed by the sun.

Toponymy:

Let’s break this name down:

Down – from old words meanin hill or upland. Round ‘ere, “down” usually means “up,” which confuses visitors no end. Locals’ll say “up Downside” without blinkin, and ee’ll jus have to accept it.

Side – means slope or edge o summat. Could be the side o a hill, side o a road or side o a pub where folk gather for a smoke and a gossip.

Put together, Downside be a name that makes visitors pause before sayin it aloud, wonderin if they’re bein told directions or given life advice.

Historical Context:

Earliest mention o Downside goes back to the twelfth century, when monks wandered round brew in hand, mutterin prayers and probably complainin about the weather. They named the place, though whether they were sober at the time be anyone’s guess.

Over the years, farmers, wanderers, storytellers and cider‑enthusiasts have called Downside home. Tales whisper through the lanes, usually involvin someone fallin over, a runaway pig or a ghost what only appears on rainy days - which be most days, me luvver.

Points of Interest:

Places near Downside worth a visit:

• Downside Abbey – grand, echoey and full o monks who know their chocolate.

• Cheddar Gorge – cliffs, caves and cheese what’ll make ee grin.

• Museum of Somerset – history, relics and tales o cider wars.

• Shepton Mallet Prison – spooky tours and proper old stonework.

• The Prince of Wales Pub – hearty grub, local ale and darts games ee’ll never win.

Notable Figures:

People linked to Downside or Somerset:

• Sir Thomas Browne – writer who’d have loved the oddness o the place.

• John Locke – philosopher who’d have pondered the name for hours.

• William Barnes – poet who wrote in West Country dialect.

• J R R Tolkien – wandered Somerset, probably imaginin hobbits in the hedgerows.

• Mary Anning – fossil hunter and proper rock star.

Conclusion:

So next time ee finds yourself in Downside, take a moment to breathe in that Somerset air, listen to the tractors rumblin, watch the hills glow in the evenin light and enjoy the daft delight of a village named after somethin that sounds gloomy but bain’t gloomy at all.

Whether ee be wanderin the lanes, chattin wi locals or laughin at the sign, this place be full o charm, history and a good dollop o Somerset magic.

For more strange place names across the UK and Ireland, visit www.strangeplacenames.com. There be plenty more where that came from, me luvver.

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