UK local history terms

Encyclopedia : U : UK : UKL : UK local history terms

Note: although these are UK terms, those marked * are also used in the US. For instance there is a 'Shambles' in Chicago.

Almshouse: A charitable home for those in need. *
Bastion: A defence work projecting from the line of a curtain wall in a fortification, particularly one designed for mounting artillery. It provides enfilading cover and is designed for its faces to be themselves enfiladed.
Bounds: The limits of a plot of land such as a parish or the premises of a College.
Cathedral Close: An enclosure pertaining to a cathedral in which such as staff housing and maintenance facilities are sited.
Citadel: Fortress, Keep.
Crenelations: Fancy stonework on buildings.
Cross: As well as being a tombstone, a cross may also be an octagonal monument in the middle of a square.
Guild: A society of a particular trade.
Keystone: Stone forming the top of an arch. *
Livery Companies: Similar to guild.
Masonic Lodge: A meeting place for, or formerly for Freemasons. *
Old: Formerly of that purpose. (i.e. The Old School House).
Plaza, Piazza: A square formed with buildings of continental appearance (from the Spanish and Italian versions of square). *
Quarter: District of a town (usually where a particular minority live or a particular trade is carried out).
Shambles: Abattoir/slaughterhouse. A road containing such a building. *
Wynd: Alley (Scottish).

See also: US local history terms, Castle terms, Church, Cathedral

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