Chapter C: Forbes

Temple.

_Consecrated Rings_ (Vol. vii., p. 88.).--The inquiry opened by SIR W. C. T. is shown to be one of much interest by the able communication of your correspondent CEYREP. I trust he will excuse me in expressing strong doubts as to {272} Havering, the chapel in Essex, being so called from "having the ring." Nothing is more dangerous to any etymological solution than the being guided by the sound of words, rather than by the probable derivation of the name of the place or thing signified. I am aware that Camden says Havering is called so for the above-stated reason; and other compilers of topography have followed what I venture to suggest is an error. _Habban_, in Anglo-Saxon, means to have; and _Ring_ is ring--this is not to be denied; but in the general (and let me add excellent) rules for the investigation of names of places affixed to the late Dr. Ingram's _Translation of the Saxon Chronicle_, I find _Aver_ is from Aver, Br., the mouth of a river, ford, or lake; and _Ing_, it is well known, is a frequent termination for the names of places--its import in Anglo-Saxon being a meadow. How far "the meadow near the source of the river, or stream" applies to the site of _Havering_, I will leave to those more competent than myself to decide, but offer the suggestion to the consideration of CEYREP and others.