Welsh Village to Adopt Historic Name Pentre Moch
A rural village in Flintshire, Wales, is anticipated to officially adopt the Welsh name Pentre Moch, which translates directly to Pigs Village. This change is expected to be confirmed following a council vote this week.
The village, currently known as Northop Hall, has seen the proposed name change generate significant division among residents. Some have expressed concerns that the new name could cause the village to become a "laughing stock."
The Welsh name Pentre Moch has been in existence for approximately 400 years and is intended to be used alongside the English name Northop Hall. It references a 13th-century farm that once stood near the original Northop Hall manor.
Historical experts have recommended that Pentre Moch is an accurate reflection of the village's heritage.
While some residents voiced opposition to the reintroduction of the Welsh name, describing it as potentially embarrassing, others viewed it as a positive step toward promoting the Welsh language, which they feel is underrepresented in the area.
Jeff Sampson, who has lived in Northop Hall for 46 years, said reintroducing the Welsh name was "ludicrous," adding: "I personally am not happy about it. I really don't think it's necessary."
He said if it was a direct translation he might feel differently, but he did not see the need for the reintroduction.
"To be honest, I think it's going to make the village a laughing stock, Pigs Village.
"There has been a lot of influx of people in the village and they want a Welsh equivalent - well just go somewhere where it's already installed."
Jeff Sampson fears the village will become a "laughing stock"
Conversely, John Gollege, chairman of Northop Hall community council, noted that some residents have requested the Welsh name be adopted.
"We're trying to display and encourage the Welsh heritage of the village," he said.
"It is not a name change. The name will remain Northop Hall," Gollege added.
He also pointed out that other towns and villages such as Mochdre, Swindon, and Swinton have names referencing pigs.
Mochdre, located in Conwy, translates to Pig Town. Swindon, in Wiltshire, is believed to mean "swine" or "pig hill," while Swinton in Greater Manchester is thought to derive from Anglo-Saxon words meaning swine or pig enclosure.
Gaynor Hughes, a resident for 50 years, expressed regret that the Welsh name had not been used previously.
"I just feel that's what it has always been known as, people who have lived here a long time are very aware of it," she said.
"It's a shame it's not been used before now" says resident Gaynor Hughes
Scott Bagley, who has lived in the village for 25 years, supports embracing the Welsh language.
"It's a lovely language, they should have Northop and the Welsh variation, it's a lovely place."
"It's a shame it's not been used before now," he added.
A public consultation was conducted, with nearly 20% of villagers responding. Following the dismissal of alternative names such as Neuadd Llaneurgain, the Northop Hall Community Council has formally requested that the village be recognized as Pentre Moch.
"The results have been subject to a very rigorous review process," said council clerk Sharon Swift.
"This has included extensive checking of resident details to the electoral roll and also the elimination of multiple voting in person and via e-mail."
She stated that the consultation demonstrated "clear village support for the name change."
A report by the Welsh Language Commissioner noted that there had been "several attempts" to find an alternative name, but none had "gained currency in the same way as the original and historical name of Pentre Moch."
The report further stated that the name is "descriptive not derogatory," and that many other Welsh settlements include references to "moch" (pigs).
"They reflect their key status in the agricultural economy of the Middle Ages," the report added.
The committee responsible for the decision is scheduled to make its recommendations on Thursday.
