Place Name

Tosside, Lancashire, England

Where the Visitors Ramble through the Village and the Pubs Spring into life!

Introduction:

Now then, Tosside. A name that makes folk snort into their tea before they’ve even set foot in the place. Sounds like summat out of a daft fairy tale or a word you’d invent after three pints and a packet of pork scratchings.

Nestled in the rolling countryside, Tosside sits there mindin its own business while visitors giggle like schoolkids tryin not to say it out loud.

Folk reckon the name came from all sorts. Maybe the locals were tossin hats in t’air shoutin “Side” like they were celebratin summat daft. Maybe the village were tossed aside by posher neighbours and just kept the name out of spite. Or maybe folk were too busy chasin sheep off the road to bother with fancy titles.

Whatever the truth, Tosside is one of them places that makes you grin before you’ve even parked the car.

Toponymy:

Let’s break down this cracking name:

Toss  - Brings to mind a bit of fun, a bit of cheek and maybe a sheep or two bein launched out the way when they block t’road. It’s playful, daft and full of character, just like the village.

Side  - Usually means a hillside or a place tucked off to one side. In Tosside’s case, it feels like a village perched on the edge of summat bigger, like the great adventure that is Lancashire life.

Together, they make a name that makes visitors pause, smirk and mutter, “Go on then, say it again.”

Historical Context:

The origins of Tosside are lost in the mists, same as half the sheep on a foggy morning. Some say it comes from Old Norse for throwin or chuckin summat. Others reckon it’s Anglo Saxon for a tiny settlement. And then there’s the folk who swear blind it’s because the village were tossed aside by the big towns.

Whatever tale you fancy, Tosside has kept its charm, its mystery and its ability to make grown adults giggle like bairns.

Points of Interest:

Places worth a wander:

• Tosside Village Hall  - Heart of the community, full of craic, chatter and the odd raffle.

• Gisburn Forest  - Trails, trees and enough paths to get yourself lost twice over.

• St Mary’s Church  - Peaceful, pretty and perfect for a quiet moment.

• Nearby Gisburn  - Lovely little village with shops and views that make you stop and stare.

• The Dog and Partridge Inn  - Proper pub grub, warm welcome and banter thicker than gravy.

Notable Figures:

Folk linked to the area:

• William Wordsworth  - Roamed these hills scribblin poems about nature and clouds.

• James Whittaker  - Local adventurer with tales taller than t’church spire.

• John O Gaunt  - Duke of Lancaster with history stitched into the land.

• Sir Richard Arkwright  - Industrial pioneer who changed the region forever.

• J B Priestley  - Author who soaked up the northern spirit like a sponge.

Conclusion:

So next time you find yourself in Tosside, take a moment to enjoy the daftness, the charm and the way the name sticks in your head like a catchy tune. It is a place that proves geography has a sense of humour and Lancashire has no intention of takin itself too seriously.

For more strange place names that’ll tickle your fancy and make you grin, take a look‑see at www.strangeplacenames.com because the UK and Ireland are awash with surprises waitin to be discovered one quirky name at a time.

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