Place naming: Transform Anywhere to Somewhere

Helen brought in a few books she was curious about, around the archaeology of place names.

“Indeed, in place names you find almost every aspect of humanity highlighted and recorded like a beacon in time. Some of the echoes of these voices of the past will be heard loud and clear, no doubt who the originators were. Some are faint, almost inaudible and distorted, leaving uncertainty about their identity and what they are trying to convey.”

The History of Place Names in England and Worcestershire.

Kirren and Alan were also drawn to place names, so together they explored historical names, how they change over time, and possibilities for the future. They developed ideas for how they could engage other people in this, thinking about how people journey through places, places without names, and how we can draw on our senses to name the places we are in.

Helen then developed a prototype of ‘Place Naming: Transform Anywhere to Somewhere’. Helen and Kirren invited Stories of Placers to search for micro spaces on the High Street, and created names for them. The names revealed stories and experiences of Dudley High Street from the past and curiosities of the present, helping us to notice overlooked potential.

You can try the Place Naming activity and take a walk along Dudley High Street, your home or another place to transform anywhere to somewhere:

Return to Stories of Place.