# Historical Gazetteer of England's Place Names

> website and database of historical English place-names

**Wikidata**: [Q105436896](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105436896)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/historical-gazetteer-of-england-s-place-names

## Summary
The Historical Gazetteer of England's Place Names is a website and database that provides historical records of English place-names, launched in 1990. It is based on the Survey of English Place-Names and operated by Queen's University Belfast, with a modernized version debuting in 2020.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1990 as part of the Survey of English Place-Names
- Operated by Queen's University Belfast, with a dedicated webpage at [https://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/CentreforDataDigitisationandAnalysis/ServicesandOutputs/WebDesign/ProjectDatabases/TheHistoricalGazetteerofEnglandsPlace-Names/](https://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/CentreforDataDigitisationandAnalysis/ServicesandOutputs/WebDesign/ProjectDatabases/TheHistoricalGazetteerofEnglandsPlace-Names/)
- Modernized version launched in 2020 with a new website at [http://placenames.website/](http://placenames.website/)
- Includes 158 sitelinks, indicating extensive coverage of historical place-name data
- Aliased as DEEP (Digital Exposure of English Place-Names)
- Described in academic literature at [https://www.euppublishing.com/doi/full/10.3366/ijhac.2019.0232](https://www.euppublishing.com/doi/full/10.3366/ijhac.2019.0232)
- Created under the Jisc collection initiative
- Focuses on toponyms (historical place names) within England

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Historical Gazetteer of England's Place Names?
A: It is a website and database that provides historical records of English place-names, based on the Survey of English Place-Names and operated by Queen's University Belfast. The modernized version launched in 2020.

### Q: Who operates the Historical Gazetteer of England's Place Names?
A: The database is operated by Queen's University Belfast, with a dedicated webpage detailing its services and outputs.

### Q: When was the Historical Gazetteer of England's Place Names first created?
A: The project was initiated in 1990 as part of the Survey of English Place-Names.

### Q: How many sitelinks does the Historical Gazetteer of England's Place Names have?
A: The database includes 158 sitelinks, indicating extensive coverage of historical place-name data.

### Q: What is the modernized version of the Historical Gazetteer of England's Place Names?
A: The modernized version, launched in 2020, is accessible at [http://placenames.website/](http://placenames.website/).

## Why It Matters
The Historical Gazetteer of England's Place Names serves as a critical resource for researchers, historians, and genealogists by preserving and digitizing historical place-name records. Its modernized version in 2020 enhances accessibility, allowing users to explore the evolution of English place-names through a structured online database. By operating under Queen's University Belfast and the Jisc collection initiative, the gazetteer ensures rigorous academic standards and broad public accessibility. Its detailed records contribute to the study of toponymy, cultural heritage, and historical geography, making it an essential tool for understanding England's geographical and linguistic past.

## Notable For
- First launched in 1990 as part of the Survey of English Place-Names
- Modernized in 2020 with a new website and expanded digital exposure
- Operated by Queen's University Belfast, leveraging its expertise in data digitization
- Includes 158 sitelinks, reflecting comprehensive coverage of historical place-names
- Aliased as DEEP (Digital Exposure of English Place-Names) for modern accessibility
- Described in academic literature, ensuring scholarly recognition and credibility

## Body
### Origins and Development
The Historical Gazetteer of England's Place Names was established in 1990 as part of the Survey of English Place-Names, a project focused on documenting historical place-name records. Over the years, it evolved into a digital resource, with a modernized version debuting in 2020.

### Operation and Accessibility
Operated by Queen's University Belfast, the gazetteer is accessible through a dedicated webpage and a modernized website at [http://placenames.website/](http://placenames.website/). The database includes 158 sitelinks, indicating extensive coverage of historical place-name data.

### Academic and Research Significance
The gazetteer is described in academic literature, ensuring scholarly recognition and credibility. It is based on the Survey of English Place-Names and operates under the Jisc collection initiative, which supports academic and research initiatives.

### Modernization and Digital Exposure
The 2020 modernization of the gazetteer introduced a new website and expanded digital exposure, making historical place-name records more accessible to researchers, historians, and genealogists. The alias DEEP (Digital Exposure of English Place-Names) reflects this modernized approach.

### Jurisdictional Focus
The gazetteer applies specifically to England, focusing on toponyms (historical place names) within the jurisdiction. Its records contribute to the study of toponymy, cultural heritage, and historical geography.