Garston

Garston (L19), is a district in Liverpool that was historically in Lancashire. This districts surrounding neighbours is Aigburth, Allerton and Speke.

The name Garston takes inspiration from the term ‘grazing settlement’ or ‘grazing farm’ which could come from both Old English and Norse[1]. It is believed that the Garston area was part of during the Viking Danelaw was heavily influenced by Norse speech. Therefore, when the Vikings settled, it was more than likely that they named Garston.

This blends well with the research surrounding Norse, especially when looking in terms of derivation in the words: ‘ton’ denotes settlement and this has been retained over time.

This makes the etymology of Garston very fitting in Old English and Norse[2]. This can also be noted throughout several districts within Merseyside such as: Prenton, Everton and Bebington.

There is evidence of prehistoric and Roman activity in the area, although Garston was established and influenced mainly within the Medieval period[3].

Researched by Olivia Astley

[1]HALOGEN (2018) https://halogen.le.ac.uk/query/kepn

[2]Hogg, R.(2002) An Introduction to Old English. London: Wiley.

[3]Museum of Liverpool (2011)Liverpool Historic Settlement Study.[online] https://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/mol/archaeology/historic-characterisation-project/Liverpool-Part-6.pdf[accessed 24/11/18].