The Gloucestershire Place Names That Leave Locals Stumped

Have you ever driven through Gloucestershire and found yourself puzzled by road signs reading “Southrop” or “Cliffords Mesne”? You’re not alone—this county is full of place names that can trip up anyone unfamiliar with the local dialect.

We’ve compiled a list of the 10 most challenging Gloucestershire place names, along with tips to help you pronounce them like a local.

1. Over
   Depending on which side of the River Severn you’re on, Over can sound like “over” or “ooover,” the latter rhyming with “Hoover.”

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2. Michaelwood
   Located near the M5 services, Michaelwood isn’t pronounced as it looks. Locals say “Micklewood,” not “Michael’s wood.”

3. Bagendon
   That sign along the A417 near Cirencester might look like “Bag-end-on,” but the correct pronunciation is “Badge-en-don.”

4. Berkeley
   Not to be confused with the American university, this Gloucestershire town is pronounced “Bark-lee.”

5. Upleadon
   Don’t skip the ‘a’; pronounce it “Up-led-on.”

6. Southrop
   This small Cotswold village, where model Kate Moss got married, is pronounced “Suth-rup,” not “South-rop.”

7. Cliffords Mesne
   One of the trickiest to spell and say, this village near Newent sounds like “Cliffords meen.”

8. Dymock
   Another Newent-area village, Dymock is pronounced “Dimm-ock,” not “Di-mock.”

9. Somerford Keynes
   Located near Cotswold Water Park, the “Keynes” in this name rhymes with “canes,” not “keens.”

10. Cheltenham
    Visitors often add an extra syllable, but locals keep it short and sweet: “Chelt-num.”

With these tips, you’ll be ready to navigate Gloucestershire’s road signs and maybe even impress the locals with your pronunciation!