Place Name

Plane, West Sussex, England

Where the Plane is Plain as it Flies through the Rain!

Introduction:

Welcome to Plane, a quaint little spot in West Sussex that sounds like it was named by a committee of confused pilots.

One can only imagine the lively discussion that led to this peculiar name: “Well, we could call it ‘Skyland’ or ‘Aviation Heights’... or just ‘Plane’!” Perhaps they were aiming for the straightforward approach, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that someone had a cheeky sense of humour.

After all, who wouldn’t want to visit a place that sounds like it’s perpetually preparing for take-off?

But what’s in a name, you ask? In this case, it’s a delightful mix of history, geography, and a dash of whimsy. So, buckle up as we embark on a journey through the skies of Plane, exploring its toponymy, history, and some splendid local attractions.

Toponymy:

Let’s break down this name:

Plane – This could refer to the flat, level landscape typical of this area, or perhaps it’s an homage to the local love for aviation (or a love for flat-pack furniture). Either way, it’s a name that evokes a sense of calm and simplicity, much like a Sunday afternoon nap—perfectly flat and utterly delightful.

It's a name that makes visitors pause before saying it aloud, as if they’re about to reveal a secret password to a very exclusive club.

Historical Context:

The earliest known usage of the name ‘Plane’ is a bit of a head-scratcher. Some locals speculate that it originated from the Old English word ‘plana’, meaning flat or level.

Others believe it might have been a result of a clerical error—imagine a scribe who had a bit too much mead before penning the town’s name!

Regardless, Plane ensures that travellers arrive ready to speculate on whether logic was ever involved. Did someone think it was a clever pun? Or was it simply a case of wanting to name the place something that would make it memorable?

Whatever the case, Plane has certainly taken off in its own unique way.

Points of Interest:

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

• St. Mary’s Church – A charming little church that dates back to the 12th century, where you can ponder the mysteries of life while pretending to be a medieval monk.

• South Downs National Park – A natural wonderland where you can hike, cycle, or simply stand and stare at the breathtaking views, wondering why you didn’t bring a picnic.

• Arundel Castle – Just a hop, skip, and a jump away, this majestic castle is a must-see. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like royalty—if royalty had to deal with pesky tourists.

• Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre – A delightful place showcasing the history of the area, complete with vintage vehicles and crafts. Perfect for a family day out—especially if you enjoy a good dose of nostalgia!

• The Greyhound Pub – A traditional pub where you can sink a pint and indulge in some hearty pub grub. Just don’t ask for a flight of beers; they might take it the wrong way!

Notable Figures:

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

• Edward Thomas – A renowned poet, Thomas was known for his poignant reflections on nature, many of which were inspired by the beautiful landscapes of West Sussex.

• H.G. Wells – The father of science fiction, Wells spent some time in the area, no doubt dreaming up his next great adventure while staring at the rolling hills.

• Sir Arthur Conan Doyle – The creator of Sherlock Holmes had connections to the area, and one can only imagine how the great detective would have solved the mystery of the town’s name!

• George Orwell – The famous author of “1984” had ties to Sussex, where he drew inspiration from the countryside that surrounded him. Perhaps he was plotting a dystopian novel about a town called Plane?

• David Gilmour – The legendary guitarist of Pink Floyd was born in Cambridge but has roots in West Sussex. Imagine him strumming a tune about the joys of flight in a pub in Plane!

Conclusion:

So, next time you find yourself at Plane, 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 filled with fantastical place names,

Plane stands out as a reminder that sometimes simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

And if you’re ever in need of a good chuckle, or perhaps a list of other wonderfully strange place names, strap yourself onto a buffalo and twirl over to www.strangeplacenames.com - where the UK & Ireland have names that are sure fine good lucking!

.

FACEBOOK - strangeplacenames

INSTAGRAM - strangeplacenames_2024