In 1607, William Camden's Brittania described Ireland like this:
IN the Vergivian sea, which name is derived not a vergendo , that is, of bending towards , as some are of opinion, but of Mor-weridth , for this name the Britans give it, or else of Farigi , by which name the Irish men call it, the most famous Iland Hibernia, that is to say, Ireland, encloseth the West side of Britaine; an Iland which in times past challenged the third place amongst all the Isle of the then known world. ...
For thus, as touching Ilands, writeth the ancient Geographer: ... Of all Ilands, for greatnesse, the IndianTaprobane is prime and principall; next after it Britaine; and in a third degree, another British Iland, named Hibernia , that is, Ireland; and thereupon Ptolemee called it Little Britaine. This Isle by Orphaeus, Aristotle, and Claudian is named Ierna; by Juvenall and Mela Iuverna; by Diodorus Siculus Iris; ... by Eustathius Overnia and Bernia, by the native inhabitants Erin , by the Britans Yverdon , and of Englishmen Ireland.
Obviously, Ireland has changed considerably over the past two hundred years. However, at such general level, very little data can be presented. It is recommended that you search for more specific locations, or go to our pages for England, Scotland or Wales.
GB Historical GIS / University of Portsmouth, A Vision of Ireland through Time | Map and description, A Vision of Ireland through Time.
URL: https://www.visionofireland.org/place/20006
Date accessed: 30th October 2024
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