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Why is Ross 'on Wye' but Upton 'upon Severn'?

We find the definitive answer to hyphenated British town, village and place names, with linguist and historian Professor Richard Coates from the University of the West of England!

Jonathan Ray asks Professor Coates the differences between 'upon', 'on', 'in', 'with', 'under' and beyond. For instance, why Upton-upon-Severn is different to Ross-on-Wye, Hay-on-Wye, Moreton-on-Lugg, Stourport-upon-Severn and Severn Stoke has no hyphens at all.

Professor Coates suggests there are two reasons, one being Latin translations, and another that might surprise you.

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Duration:

4 minutes