Hollinsclough

Further to the 14th century, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the following are the topographical names mentioned in the poem, these written in bold text: flosche (Flash) - fryth (Frith) - knot (Knotbury) - kerre (Carr, as Moss Carr) - rocher (Roaches) - knarre (Knar) - hautdesert (High forest) - rake (track/path).

Does anyone know the origin of the place name Flash, prior to the 16th -18th centuries? 'Flash' was a Cheshire name for a lake or pool, perhaps this was a reference in the Gawain poem to Panniers pool at Three Shire Heads, near Flash?

Hollinsclough websites 'Place name elements' and 'a virtual tour' were very helpful in explaining a lot of the above terms and connect this area to the poem. The poet may have been an abbey clerk with links to Swythamley grange and Dieulacres abbey (Abbey Farm, now).

By the way if you are struggling to read the original dialect version of the poem, boþe, is both, the 'þ' is 'th' in middle English. This version of middle English did not become modern English as Chaucer's but is of interest as it is in the Staffordshire or 'three shire' border dialect.

I hope this medieval Staffordshire peak district story is of interest and takes Hollinsclough area history back, nearly 650 years.

I would love to hear from any local medieval historians with knowledge of the origin of local place names. I believe, however that this website may have answered most questions already.

Thanks,

Noel