Place Name

Lickham Bottom, Devon, England

If you go down to the Woods today...

Introduction:

Lickham Bottom! A name that conjures up images of mischievous goats and overly curious sheep. One can only imagine the conversations among locals about how this cheeky little hamlet got its name. Was it a playful jab at a particularly slippery slope, or perhaps a reference to an ancient tradition of licking the bottom of the local well? It’s a mystery wrapped in a riddle, served with a side of Devonshire cream. One thing is for sure: every time someone says "Lickham Bottom," they’re bound to raise an eyebrow or two, and possibly a giggle.

With its picturesque landscapes and quaint charm, Lickham Bottom is a hidden gem that invites visitors to ponder the absurdity of its name while enjoying the tranquil beauty of the Devon countryside. So, grab your wellies and binoculars and let’s dive into the depths of this quirky place!

Toponymy:

Let’s break down this name:

Lickham – Now, this first part is a head-scratcher. Some say it could derive from the Old English “leac,” meaning “leek” or “wild garlic,” suggesting that the area may have been known for its tasty plants. Others speculate it’s a cheeky nod to the local livestock and their rather curious habits. Either way, it adds a dash of intrigue to the already amusing name.

Bottom – This term typically refers to a low-lying area, often near water. In this case, it might suggest that Lickham Bottom is nestled snugly in a dip, perhaps a place where one might find a particularly lazy cow enjoying a snooze. It’s the kind of place where you’d expect to find a sign saying, “Caution: Cows Crossing (and possibly giggling).”

Together, they form a name that makes visitors pause before saying it aloud. “Did I just say Lickham Bottom? Am I being punked?” Rest assured, dear traveller, you are not being pranked; this place is as real as the delightful scones you’ll find at the local tea shop.

Historical Context:

The origins of Lickham Bottom are as murky as a Devonshire fog. Some enthusiasts suggest that the name dates back to the Anglo-Saxon period, when local farmers might have had a penchant for naming their fields after their more humorous encounters with livestock. Who wouldn’t want to immortalise a particularly memorable day spent in the fields with a cow named Gertrude?

Others believe the name could have been a result of a cartographer’s mischief or an unfortunate typo in a historical document.

Regardless, Lickham Bottom ensures that travellers arrive ready to speculate on whether logic was ever involved in naming this delightful spot.

Points of Interest:

If you’re in the area, be sure to check out:

• Hemyock Castle – A stunning historical site that offers a glimpse into the past, complete with tales of knights, battles, and the occasional dragon (well, maybe not the dragon part).

• Blackdown Hills – A natural wonderland perfect for hiking, picnicking, and contemplating life’s biggest mysteries, like why Lickham Bottom has such a funny name.

• The Devon Railway Centre – A charming museum that showcases the history of railways in Devon, complete with miniature trains and plenty of nostalgia for railway enthusiasts.

• Hemyock Village – A delightful nearby village where you can enjoy a stroll, grab a cream tea, and chat with locals who might have some entertaining stories about Lickham Bottom.

• The Culm Valley Inn – A traditional pub where you can indulge in hearty local fare while soaking up the warm atmosphere and perhaps overhearing some amusing tales about the area.

Notable Figures:

Famous people who have been directly associated with Lickham Bottom or Devon include:

• Sir Francis Drake – The famous sea captain and explorer was born in Devon and is a local legend. It’s said he once attempted to sail through Lickham Bottom, but the cows wouldn’t let him pass!

• Agatha Christie – The renowned mystery writer spent many summers in Devon. One can only imagine her inspiration while pondering the curious name of Lickham Bottom.

• John T. Smith – A lesser-known local inventor who famously created the world’s first cow-licking machine. He spent many a day in Lickham Bottom perfecting his craft.

• J.K. Rowling – The beloved author of the Harry Potter series has connections to the West Country. Rumour has it she considered naming a character after Lickham Bottom but thought better of it.

• Mary Anning – The famous fossil collector and paleontologist was born in Lyme Regis, not far from Lickham Bottom. Her discoveries remind us that while Lickham Bottom may be a quirky name, it’s part of a region rich in history and discovery.

Conclusion:

So, next time you find yourself at Lickham Bottom, take a moment to admire how geography refuses to follow common sense—while questioning whether history really meant for this name to stick. After all, in a world full of boring place names, Lickham Bottom stands out like a cow in a tuxedo.

For more strange and wonderful place names that will tickle your fancy and leave you chuckling, be sure to check out www.strangeplacenames.com - because the UK & Ireland are up to our eyes in places that make you wonder if the mapmakers had a laugh or two while naming them!

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