Place Name

Starmer Close, Leicestershire, England

Where the Roads Are Close, But the Sense is Farther Away

Introduction:

Starmer Close, a name that rolls off the tongue with the grace of a drunken giraffe on roller skates. You might wonder how a place with such a name came to be. Is it named after a local hero? A historical figure? Or perhaps it’s just a cheeky nod to the fact that the roads in this part of Leicestershire are about as close as your last family gathering—where everyone pretends to get along but secretly wishes they could escape to the nearest pub. Whatever the case, the origins of Starmer Close are as intriguing as they are baffling, and we’re here to unpack it all, one chuckle at a time.

With a name like Starmer Close, you might expect a grand tale of nobility or a local legend involving a heroic rescue of a cat from a tree. Instead, you get a close that’s simply off Cambridge Road, Cosby. But hey, at least it’s not called “Starmer Not-So-Far,” right?

So, grab your imaginary explorer hat, and let’s dive into the history, toponymy, and local flavour of Starmer Close!

Toponymy:

Let’s break down this name:

Starmer – This word might bring to mind images of stars twinkling in the night sky, or perhaps a particularly enthusiastic person at a karaoke bar belting out “I Will Survive.” In reality, the name is likely derived from Old English, meaning “to stare” or “to gaze.” One can only speculate if the locals were staring at something particularly fascinating (like the pub down the road) when they decided to name this close.

Close – A term that simply means “a small street or alley,” which is fitting since Starmer Close is indeed a small nook in the greater expanse of Cosby. It’s almost as if the name is saying, “Welcome to this small, intimate space where you can gaze upon the wonders of life—or just your neighbour’s garden gnomes.”

Together, they form a name that makes visitors pause before saying it aloud, as if they’re trying to decipher a riddle from a particularly mischievous wizard.

Historical Context:

The earliest known usage of the name Starmer Close is a bit of a mystery, much like the last slice of cake that mysteriously disappears at a family gathering. Some theories suggest it was named after a local family, while others believe it could have been a reference to a local landmark that has since been lost to time (or perhaps a particularly dramatic episode of local gossip).

Regardless, Starmer Close ensures that travellers arrive ready to speculate on whether logic was ever involved in its naming. Perhaps it was a case of the local council having a particularly slow day and deciding to throw a dart at a board of names. Who knows? The only certainty is that the name has stuck, much like that one friend who always manages to crash your party.

Points of Interest:

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

• Cosby Village Green – A lovely spot for a picnic or a game of frisbee, where you can soak in the local atmosphere and perhaps contemplate the mysteries of Starmer Close.

• Wistow Maze – This gigantic maze is perfect for those who enjoy getting lost—physically and metaphorically. Plus, it’s a great way to work off that last pint.

• St. Michael’s Church – A beautiful historical site that dates back to the Norman era. It’s the perfect place to ponder life’s big questions, like “Why did I eat that third sausage roll?”

• Cosby Library – A quaint little library where you can lose yourself in a good book or perhaps find some local history to unravel the enigma of Starmer Close.

• The Red Lion Pub – A traditional pub where the locals gather to swap stories, enjoy a pint, and debate whether the name “Starmer Close” is more amusing than “The Red Lion.” Spoiler: it is.

Notable Figures:

Famous people who have been directly associated with Leicestershire include:

• Sir David Attenborough – The legendary broadcaster and natural historian, born in the nearby city of Leicester, who has captivated audiences with his soothing voice and love for the natural world.

• Richard III – The infamous king whose remains were discovered in Leicester. His story is one of intrigue, betrayal, and a rather unfortunate fate, making him a local legend.

• J.R.R. Tolkien – The author of “The Lord of the Rings” spent part of his childhood in the area, inspiring a generation of fantasy lovers. One can only wonder what he would have thought of Starmer Close.

• Gok Wan – The fashion guru and television personality who hails from Leicester, proving that style and wit can indeed come from the East Midlands.

• David Icke – The controversial figure and conspiracy theorist known for his outlandish claims, reminding us that not all notable figures are celebrated for their achievements—some are just unforgettable.

Conclusion:

So, next time you find yourself at Starmer Close, take a moment to admire how geography refuses to follow common sense—while questioning whether history really meant for this name to stick. It’s a place where the absurd meets the ordinary, and where every corner holds a story waiting to be told.

For more whimsical explorations of place names that make you muse, puddle-jump your way to www.strangeplacenames.com - where the UK & Ireland are jam-packed with delightful little gems that deserve a spotlight (and maybe a pint or two).

Remember, life is too short to take place names seriously—unless you’re trying to find your way home, in which case, good luck!

FACEBOOK - strangeplacenames

INSTAGRAM - strangeplacenames_2024