Place Name

Upper Bush, Kent, England

Where the Upper Bushes keep an eye on the Upper Biggins!

Introduction:

Upper Bush! A name that sounds like it was conjured up by a committee of bored local council members with a penchant for wordplay.

The absurdity of it is almost charming. One can only imagine the scene: a group of locals gathered around a pub table, pints in hand, debating what to call their little patch of Kent. "How about Upper Bush?" one might have shouted, chuckling at the thought of confused tourists trying to navigate their way through the village. Or perhaps it’s a nod to the area's lush greenery, a place where bushes reach for the sky and the locals are always ready with a cheeky quip.

Either way, it’s a name that leaves you scratching your head, and that’s precisely why we love it.

Toponymy:

Let’s break down this name:

Upper – This word suggests a hierarchy of bushes, as if there’s a Lower Bush lurking somewhere nearby, perhaps plotting its revenge. It evokes images of a botanical monarchy, where the Upper Bush reigns supreme over its lower counterparts.

Bush – Now, this is where things get interesting. A bush is typically a shrub, but in this case, it might also refer to the wild and wonderful flora of Kent. Perhaps it’s an homage to the area’s natural beauty, or maybe it’s simply a cheeky reference to a local legend about an ill-fated hedge trimmer.

Together, they form a name that makes visitors pause before saying it aloud, wondering if they’ve accidentally wandered into a botanical comedy sketch.

Historical Context:

As with many quirky place names, the origins of Upper Bush are shrouded in mystery. Some say the name dates back to the 13th century, when the area was primarily rural and the bushes were indeed, well, upper. Others speculate that it was the result of a miscommunication between local landowners and cartographers who had a penchant for puns.

Regardless of its true origin, Upper Bush has become a delightful conversation starter, ensuring that travellers arrive ready to speculate on whether logic was ever involved.

Points of Interest:

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

• The Historic Rochester Castle – A magnificent fortress that dates back to the 11th century, offering stunning views of the Medway River and a peek into Kent's storied past.

• Rochester Cathedral – This beautiful cathedral boasts a rich history and stunning architecture, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in ecclesiastical wonders.

• The Guildhall Museum – Dive into local history with exhibits that showcase Rochester's past, including its role in the development of the printing press and its connection to Charles Dickens.

• Rochester High Street – A charming blend of shops, cafes, and historic buildings, perfect for a leisurely stroll while you ponder the mysteries of Upper Bush.

• The Medway River – Whether you fancy a riverside walk or a boat trip, this picturesque waterway is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Notable Figures:

Famous people who have been directly associated with Upper Bush or Kent include:

• Charles Dickens – The literary giant was born in Portsmouth but spent much of his childhood in Chatham, just a stone's throw from Upper Bush. His works often reflect the rich tapestry of life in Kent.

• Sir John Hawkins – A naval commander and one of the first English slave traders, Hawkins was born in 1532 in Plymouth but had strong connections to Kent through his maritime exploits.

• Thomas Cramner – The Archbishop of Canterbury during the reign of Henry VIII, Cramner was pivotal in the English Reformation and has ties to the Canterbury area.

• William Harvey – The physician who discovered the circulation of blood was born in Folkestone, Kent, and his groundbreaking work has had a lasting impact on medicine.

• David Gilmour – The legendary guitarist of Pink Floyd hails from Cambridge but spent much of his youth in Kent, where he developed his iconic sound.

Conclusion:

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

And remember, if you ever feel lost, just look for the bushes—they’re bound to be upper!

For more amusing and downright peculiar place names, take a butchers at www.strangeplacenames.com - where the UK & Ireland are laden with places that make you chuckle, scratch your head, and wonder who thought that was a good idea!

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