Curiosities of Puritan Nomenclature (eBook)

Charles Wareing Endell Bardsley (1843–1898) was an eminent English clergyman and writer, particularly renowned for his contributions to the study of English surnames and onomastics. Bardsley educated at the High School in Manchester and later at Owens College, was appointed as the parish vicar of Ulverston, and contributed to the philological scholarship of the Victorian era through his pastoral and scholarly work. His profound interest in nomenclature culminated in several written works, among which 'Curiosities of Puritan Nomenclature' stands out as a seminal piece. Published in 1897, this book delves into the peculiar naming conventions adopted by Puritans during the 16th and 17th centuries. Bardsley meticulously documents and analyses the motivations and cultural contexts that prompted Puritans to choose distinctive and often idiosyncratic names for their offspring. His literary style is marked by a combination of rigorous academic research flavoured with a touch of whimsy and accessibility to both scholarly and lay readers. Bardsley's noteworthy investigation sheds light on the intersection of religious fervour, cultural identity, and language, making 'Curiosities of Puritan Nomenclature' a cornerstone text in historical onomastics and a valuable resource for those interested in the evolution of English names and the social history embedded within them.