Gloucestershire is full of charming villages and towns—each with its own unique character and, often, a name that leaves visitors scratching their heads. Ever driven past a sign for Southrop or Clifford’s Mesne and wondered how locals say them? You’re not alone. Here’s a quick guide to pronouncing 10 of the county’s most confounding place names.
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Over
Depending on which side of the Severn you’re on, “Over” can sound very different. Some say it simply as “over,” while others stretch it out to “ooover,” much like the word “Hoover.”
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Michaelwood
This M5 service area might look like it’s named after a man named Michael, but locals say “micklewood,” blending the syllables in an unexpected way.
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Bagendon
Passing the A417 near Cirencester? That’s Bagendon—not “bag-end-on,” but pronounced “badge-en-don.”
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Berkeley
Famous for its castle, Berkeley is a name that trips up many. It’s pronounced “bark-lee,” not like the American university.
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Upleadon
Despite the seemingly silent ‘a,’ Upleadon is said “up-led-on,” keeping all its syllables sharp.
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Southrop
Kate Moss’s wedding location might seem straightforward, but locals say “suth-rup” rather than the obvious “south-rop.”
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Clifford’s Mesne
One of the toughest to spell and pronounce, this village near Newent goes by “cliffords meen.”
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Dymock
Also close to Newent, Dymock sounds like “dimm-ock,” not “di-mock.”
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Somerford Keynes
Near the Cotswold Water Park, the last part of this name rhymes with “canes,” pronounced “kaynz,” not “keens.”
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Cheltenham
Surprisingly tricky for outsiders, locals pronounce it “chelt-num,” dropping a syllable you might naturally add.
Next time you take a drive through Gloucestershire, impress the locals by saying these place names the right way!