Place Name

Pease Pottage, West Sussex, England

Where the Pease is Potted, and the Pottage's are Pleased!

Introduction:

Pease Pottage! A name that sounds like a whimsical dish served at a medieval banquet, but in reality, it’s a charming little village in West Sussex, England. One might wonder if the name was conjured up by a particularly hungry bard or if it was a local chef’s attempt to promote a rather unremarkable stew.

The origins of the name are as murky as the bottom of a pot left too long on the stove, but one thing is for certain: it definitely raises an eyebrow or two among unsuspecting tourists who may have expected something a tad more glamorous.

Imagine the confusion when someone first tries to pronounce it—"Peas… what now? Is that a vegetable or a pot?" Fear not, dear reader, for we shall dive into the depths of this delightful conundrum and explore the history, the people, and the peculiarities of Pease Pottage.

So, grab your fork and let’s dig in—there’s plenty to chew on!

Toponymy:

Let’s break down this name:

Pease – A delightful nod to the legume that has graced many a dinner table, it’s quite likely that this area was once a thriving hub for pea farming. Or perhaps the locals just had a penchant for puns and decided to name their village after their favourite vegetable. Either way, it’s a name that adds a touch of whimsy to the otherwise serious business of place naming.

Pottage – Now, this word takes us back to the days of yore when hearty stews were the stuff of legends. A pottage is essentially a thick soup or stew, often made with whatever was lying around the kitchen (or the garden). It’s the culinary equivalent of a mystery box challenge! So, when you put “Pease” and “Pottage” together, you get a name that sounds like a rustic recipe gone awry, or perhaps a local delicacy that never quite made it onto the Michelin star list.

Together, they form a name that makes visitors pause before saying it aloud, as if they’re about to embark on a tongue-twisting adventure.

Historical Context:

Pease Pottage has a history that stretches back further than your great aunt’s last Christmas pudding. The earliest known usage of the name dates back to the 14th century, when it was likely used to describe a local dish that featured peas and other ingredients, or perhaps it was a clever marketing ploy by the village’s first inhabitants. Was it a mistake? A local tradition? A dramatic attempt at geographic branding? The truth is shrouded in mystery, much like the actual taste of a pottage left simmering for too long.

Regardless, Pease Pottage ensures that travellers arrive ready to speculate on whether logic was ever involved, all while trying to figure out how to order a pint without sounding like they’ve just stepped out of a Shakespearean play.

Points of Interest:

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

• St. John the Baptist Church – A quaint church that dates back to the 12th century, where you can ponder the mysteries of life—or at least the mysteries of why peas are so often overlooked in favour of more glamorous vegetables.

• High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – A stunning landscape that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a painting. Perfect for long walks, picnics, or contemplating the deeper meaning of pottage.

• Pound Hill – A local hill that offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It’s a great spot to reflect on life, love, and the inexplicable joy of a good pea stew.

• Crawley Museum – Just a short jaunt away, this museum offers a glimpse into the local history, including exhibits that may or may not feature peas (we can only hope).

• The Black Swan Pub – A traditional pub where you can enjoy a pint of local ale and perhaps a hearty meal, because after all this talk of peas, you’re bound to be a bit peckish.

Notable Figures:

Famous people who have been directly associated with Pease Pottage or West Sussex include:

• William Blake – The renowned poet and artist spent time in the area, and his works often reflect the beauty of the English countryside, which may or may not include a whimsical mention of peas.

• Sir Arthur Conan Doyle – The creator of Sherlock Holmes had ties to the region. One can only imagine the great detective pondering the mysteries of Pease Pottage over a cup of tea.

• David Gilmour – The legendary guitarist of Pink Floyd hails from this area. Perhaps he’s penned a ballad about the joys of peas or the wonders of a good pottage?

• George Orwell – The famous author of “1984” and “Animal Farm” lived nearby. One can only speculate what he would have thought about the name Pease Pottage—certainly a topic for a thought-provoking essay!

• Joni Mitchell – The iconic singer-songwriter has connections to the area and might just have written a song about the joys of peas, potting, or perhaps the oddities of English place names.

Conclusion:

So, next time you find yourself at Pease Pottage, 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, it’s not every day you come across a place that sounds like it could be the star of a cooking show gone awry.

For more amusing and peculiar place names that tickle your funny bone, check out www.strangeplacenames.com - where the UK & Ireland are chock-a-block with delightful oddities that are just waiting to be discovered, and who knows, maybe there’s a Pease Pottage sequel in your future!

FACEBOOK - strangeplacenames

INSTAGRAM - strangeplacenames_2024