Strange Place Names
UK & Ireland

Place Name
County
Upper Biggin
Country
England
Decimal Degrees
w3w
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Google Map Link
Key Words
Upper Biggin, Derbyshire, England
Whar Upper Biggin might be similar te Lower Biggin - if it existed!
Description: Populated nook north o t A517 near Biggin in Ashbourne, full o fields, farms, an a name that mek folk grin afore they’ve even said it out loud.
Introduction:
Alright then me duck, welcome te Upper Biggin, a name that sounds like someone in Derbyshire tried te name a hamlet while halfway through a daft joke, halfway through a pint, an halfway through wonderin if there were ever a Lower Biggin te match it. Folk hear it an gan “Upper Biggin? Yer sure,” an locals just smile like “aye, we’ve heard every joke under t sun.”
Maybe it came frae a hill. Maybe it came frae a proud farmer. Maybe someone simply liked daft names an wrote it down afore anyone could object.
Whatever happened, Upper Biggin is pure Derbyshire whimsy wrapped in lanes, sheep, an names that mek ye chuckle wiout even tryin.
Toponymy:
Let’s take this name apart:
Upper – higher, hill‑side, or t Derbyshire wink ye get when folk fancy makin their patch sound posh
Biggin – buildin, homestead, or t old English twist that softens t cheeky twist o t first half
Together, Upper Biggin gives ye a name that makes visitors pause afore sayin it aloud, then grin like they’ve wandered into a countryside tale wi perfect timin.
Historical Context:
Earliest mentions o Upper Biggin drift back te local lore. Some reckon it came frae a farm perched on t rise. Others say it were a nickname fer a cluster o cottages. Another tale sez villagers muttered “up Upper Biggin,” an t name stuck like muck on boots.
Whatever t truth behind its name, Upper Biggin endures as a place where logic politely steps aside te let Derbyshire humour shine.
Points of Interest:
Places worth a decko:
Biggin Hall – stone, stories, an historic calm
Peak District National Park – hills, views, an breezy wanderin
St James’ Church – quiet corners an county charm
Ashbourne – shops, scran, an cobbled bustle
The Old Dog Inn – ale, scran, an Biggin‑side banter
Notable Figures:
Folk tied te Derbyshire:
Sir Richard Arkwright – inventor wi county roots
Mary Queen o Scots – figure wi dramatic ties te t region
David M Wilson – archaeologist wi Peak District insight
George Eliot – storyteller shaped by Midlands wanderin
Sir Joseph Paxton – designer wi Derbyshire brilliance
Conclusion:
So next time ye find yerself at Upper Biggin, tek a moment te hide yer laughter in the crook of yer arm - the elbow one not the armpit one, an t way Derbyshire refuses te follow common sense.
Fer more places that’ll mek ye grin like a yokel, whistle yersel ower te www.strangeplacenames.com an keep smirkin at t names that refuse te behave.
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53.0289, -1.6211
DMS
53°1'44"N 1°37'16"W
Populated Area & Rude
Derbyshire
