RootsChat.Com

England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Wiltshire => Topic started by: Lensmeister on Monday 13 April 20 16:28 BST (UK)

Title: Village Correct Spelling
Post by: Lensmeister on Monday 13 April 20 16:28 BST (UK)
Hi,

Some of the wife's family originate from Wiltshire from a Village. I've seen two spellings but which is correct?

Compton Chamberlayne (Wiki has it as this)

or

Compton Chamberlain (Some records online)

Title: Re: Village Correct Spelling
Post by: Milliepede on Monday 13 April 20 16:29 BST (UK)
I would say the one with the "y"
Title: Re: Village Correct Spelling
Post by: Gadget on Monday 13 April 20 16:34 BST (UK)
Genuki has it as ain


https://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/WIL/ComptonChamberlain

but the map on the page has it with a y  ::)

add - https://history.wiltshire.gov.uk/community/getcom.php?id=69
Title: Re: Village Correct Spelling
Post by: youngtug on Monday 13 April 20 17:02 BST (UK)
Y
Title: Re: Village Correct Spelling
Post by: radstockjeff on Monday 13 April 20 17:14 BST (UK)
I have a copy of the Wiltshire Village Book by Michael Marshman, one time Librarian at Warminster Library and noted local historian. His take is Compton Chamberlayne
Title: Re: Village Correct Spelling
Post by: Lensmeister on Monday 13 April 20 17:58 BST (UK)
Consensus says with the Y

It looks nicer  ;)

Title: Re: Village Correct Spelling
Post by: bartman on Tuesday 14 April 20 15:28 BST (UK)
Having lived fairly locally (Salisbury) for many years, I have only ever seen this place spelt with a Y. So I had a look at the old maps, and found that in the SW England OS 25 inch 1873-1888 maps it is indeed "Chamberlain". However, all subsequent editions show it with a Y. They must have decided it was more up market!
On a historical note for those not familiar with the area, the area of Compton Chamberlayne and Fovant (the next village) was a vast military encampment in WWI. The regimental badges carved into the chalk downs overlooking  the villages are very famous, and although some have been lost those remaining are restored and well worth a visit.