Place Name

Squeeze Belly Lane, Cornwall, England

Where you Squeeze your Belly to go down the Lane

Introduction:

Introduction:

Ah now, Squeeze Belly Lane, that be a name to set folk chucklin before they even see the place. Round yer, the old boys will tell ee it were named after folk tryin to shuffle through after a bellyful of cream teas, puffin and squeezin like a piglet in a gate.

Others swear blind it were a trick by the local baker to tempt travellers into buyin more pasties, knowin full well they would need to squeeze their bellies to get back out again.

Truth is, nobody knaws for certain, and the locals bain’t in no hurry to spoil the fun.

Toponymy:

Let’s break down this name:

Squeeze – A word that tells ee straight off that the lane be narrow as a rabbit’s whisker. It hints at a bit of effort, a bit of wrigglin and maybe a grunt or two if ee have been enjoyin the local grub.

Belly – A proper Cornish word if ever there were one, for round yer the belly be both a badge of honour and a sign of good eatin. It adds a bit of humour, remindin ee that Cornwall feeds ee well and expects ee to deal with the consequences.

Together, they make a name that gets folk patting their middles and smilin like they already know what is comin.

Historical Context:

The tale of Squeeze Belly Lane be lost in the mists, same as many a Cornish yarn. Some reckon it were named after farmers squeezin through with baskets full of harvest, bellies full of cider and patience worn thin. Others say it were named after a big-bellied local fella who could only get through sideways, puffin like a steam engine.

Whatever the truth, the name stuck tighter than clotted cream on a warm scone.

Points of Interest:

If you be wanderin about, have a nose at:

• The Olde Tinners – A pub where the plates be hearty and the doors feel smaller on the way out.

• St Teath Church – A quiet spot to rest yer legs and yer belly.

• The Camel Trail – Wide enough for bellies of all shapes and sizes.

• Delabole Slate Quarry – A grand slice of Cornish history without any squeezin required.

• Tintagel Castle – Arthurian cliffs and sea views fit for a king.

Notable Figures:

Folk tied to Cornwall include:

• Sir John Betjeman – Poet who loved Cornwall like a man loves a hot pasty.

• Doc Martin (Martin Clunes) – Fictional doctor, real Cornish spirit.

• J. K. Rowling – Found magic in the Cornish air.

• Richard Trevithick – Steam pioneer with a belly full of ideas.

• Oliver Phelps – One of the Weasley twins, with Cornish roots and a likely fondness for a good feed.

Conclusion:

So next time ee find yourself in Squeeze Belly Lane, take a moment to enjoy the daftness of a place that refuses to take itself serious. It is a reminder that Cornwall loves a laugh, loves a story and loves a good feed even more.

And if ee fancy more names that will tickle yer ribs and twist yer tongue, thumb through www.strangeplacenames.com where the UK and Ireland be stuffed full of places that will have ee squeezin yer belly with laughter.

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