Hi Ian,
I can confirm that your interpretation is OK, rabbit warrens, but there is
no firm evidence on first date of use. Most works suggest its a post
Conquest (after 1066) derivation. No warrens mentioned in Domesday,
introduction possibly mid-11th.c. I have on ref many warren and coney
place-names and recorded associated sites in N England.
One problem Marcus Terrentius Varro rec in Rerum Rusticarum c54 BC hinted
that the Romans may have brought some breeds of rabbits and hares from
Spain to Britain. But as there is no other record and there have been no
leporaria sites found its not proven.
We also appear have no celtic or pre-conquest name for Rabbit in England.
I have an article waiting to be published in this years Yorkshire and
Lancashire History Quarterlies an this subject. its written by one of the
leading authorities Dr A Henderson of Leeds Univ.
More info if you want it, let me know
cheers Phil Hudson, Settle N Yorks
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> From: Ian Pope <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Cunigar: derivation of
> Date: 20 January 1999 12:29
>
> Has anybody come across derivations of the words Cunigar, Coneygar,
> Coneygore etc.?
> Do they have connections with rabbit warrens and/or Roman sites?
>
> Hope someone can assist.
>
> Ian Pope
>
> _______________________________________
> Ian Pope
> Cartographer
> School of Planning
> Oxford Brookes University
> Gipsy Lane
> Oxford
> 01865-483368
>
> Chairman, Forest of Dean Local History Society
> http://www.demon.co.uk/fweb/dean/deanhist/fdhs.htm
> _______________________________________
>
>
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