Episode 256: How streets got their names
In this podcast we delve into the history of something we take for granted – street names. How did they get their names, and what’s the difference between a street and a road? Tune in to find out.
How streets got their names
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YouTubeWelcome back to English-Podcasts In this episode we explore the cultural reasons behind street names in the UK, and we compare them with the grid system in New York. Can you guess what the differences are?Â
Notes
In the Uk street names often serve as historical fingerprints, revealing the social, political, and cultural landscape of a place at the time it was developed. If you’ve ever visted the UK you’ve probably seen many King Streets, High Streets and London Roads.Â
What exactly is the difference between a street and a road ? Well historically a road led to a particular place, such as London or Manchester, whereas streets were named after trades, battles, people, landmarks and the land owner.
Is this the same in your country ?
What about New York where the “charm” of European street names was given over to a numbered grid system.
You can also travel with us to France as we delve into the history of street names in our home city of Toulouse. In the video not only will you hear about some very unusal street names you’ll also get to see the beautiful architecture too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U47fpBHYw6k&list=PLNqSv4s5XHz2AbXNat6wy8RIVdbxpt5ru&index=1
Recap & Takeaways
Street names are a great way to discover history and learn vocabulary.
Have you heard of these streets/roads? And can you imagine their origins? All will be revealed in the podcast.
London Road
Baker Street
Park Lane
Love Lane
Queens Avenue
Pinchbeck Street
Hastting street
