Place Name

Royal Common, Surrey, England

Where the Royals Ride and more Beside!

Introduction:

Royal Common, a name that sounds like it should be the setting for a royal tea party, complete with scones, crumpets, and a rather disgruntled corgi or two. But let’s face it, the only thing regal about this place might just be the name itself. One can only speculate that it was perhaps named by a group of enthusiastic locals who were a bit too fond of their afternoon teas and fancied themselves as the next best thing to royalty. Did they think they were naming a royal estate? Or were they just trying to jazz up a common patch of greenery?

Either way, the name has stuck, and now it’s a delightful curiosity for anyone who wanders through this neck of the woods.

Toponymy:

Let’s break down this name:

Royal – A word that conjures images of crowns, sceptres, and possibly a very posh cat named Sir Fluffington. It suggests an air of nobility, which is a tad ironic given that the nearest thing to royalty you might encounter here is a particularly stately-looking sheep.

Common – Now, here’s where it gets interesting. In British geography, a common is a piece of land that’s open to all, which is a bit of a contradiction when paired with “royal.” It’s as if the name is saying, “Yes, this is royal, but everyone is welcome, so long as you don’t bring your own sandwiches.”

Together, they form a name that makes visitors pause before saying it aloud, perhaps wondering if they should curtsy or simply ask for directions to the nearest pub.

Historical Context:

Now, let’s take a jaunt down memory lane to uncover the origins of this amusingly named locale. The earliest known usage of "Royal Common" is a bit murky, much like the water in the local ponds after a good rain. Some say it was a nod to the royal hunting grounds of yore, while others claim it was merely a marketing ploy by local landowners who fancied themselves as the lords of the manor.

Regardless, Royal Common ensures that travellers arrive ready to speculate on whether logic was ever involved in its christening.

Points of Interest:

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

• Hurtmore Common – A sprawling area of natural beauty, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a brisk jog, depending on how much you fancy sweating in the name of fitness.

• Godalming Town Centre – A quaint little spot that boasts a lovely mix of shops, cafes, and a few historic buildings that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time, minus the lack of Wi-Fi.

• Watts Gallery – A hidden gem that showcases the works of the Victorian painter G.F. Watts. It’s a place where art meets history, and you can pretend to be cultured while sipping tea.

• Guildford Castle – Just a stone’s throw away, this castle is a reminder of the region’s storied past. Plus, the views from the top are worth the climb—just don’t forget to breathe!

• The White Horse Pub – A traditional pub offering hearty meals and a selection of ales that would make even the most discerning royal blush. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring.

Notable Figures:

Famous people who have been directly associated with Royal Common or Surrey include:

• George IV – The king known for his extravagant lifestyle and love of all things opulent, perhaps he would have enjoyed a jaunt around Royal Common, provided he had a suitable carriage.

• Mary Russell Mitford – A local author whose works often drew inspiration from the beauty of Surrey. One can only imagine her delight at finding a place named Royal Common—she might have penned a sonnet about it!

• John Keats – The famous poet spent time in Surrey, and one can only speculate what verses he might have written while strolling through the common, perhaps lamenting the lack of tea shops.

• Sir Arthur Conan Doyle – The creator of Sherlock Holmes and a notable figure in the literary world. One could argue that if Holmes had a favourite walking spot, it would be somewhere like Royal Common, where mysteries abound.

• J.K. Rowling – Although not directly linked to Royal Common, her connection to Surrey through her upbringing makes her a notable figure. Imagine if Harry Potter had taken a stroll through the common—he might have found a hidden portal to another world!

Conclusion:

So, next time you find yourself at Royal Common, take a moment to admire how geography refuses to follow common sense—while questioning whether history really meant for this name to stick.

And if you ever find yourself pondering the absurdity of place names, remember to get on your mini moto and ride over to www.strangeplacenames.com - because the UK & Ireland are choked with delightful gems that are just waiting to be discovered.

After all, where else can you find a place that sounds so regal yet is as common as a sheep in a field?

FACEBOOK - strangeplacenames

INSTAGRAM - strangeplacenames_2024