Details

Exhibition Title

Walney, Wind and Water

Dates

24 November 2012 - 31 January 2013

Description

A look at Walney's captivating archaeology, scenic views, history and wildlife. The name Walney has a complicated history, stretching over centuries. Attempts were made to link it to ancient language roots – so it meant Hvereay (the island of bent grass) or Vognay (grampus island) or Wagenay (island of quicksands). All are false. The first recorded use was in the late 11th century Domesday Book. Furness was described as the Manor of Hougun, formerly in the ownership of the Saxon Earl Tostig. The island off this peninsula was Hougenai, the ending ai (or ay or ey) meaning an island. Over the centuries different spellings and pronounciations appeared, though the guttural Hou beginning was soon changed to “W”. Hence Wagneia (1127), Wannegai (1346), Waghenay (1336), Wawenay (1404) and Wauay (1577). So in the end Walney is an altered form of the original Hougenai, meaning simply the island off the peninsula.

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