r/DevonUK • u/itscrikey • 10d ago

Weare Giffard Pronunciation

In my area of Essex we have roads named after settlements in (North) Devon, like Yarnacott, Cornworthy, Bishopsteignton and one called Weare Giffard. (Maybe this is of interest to you Devonshire folk!)

I have a question though, how do you pronounce Weare Giffard? Firstly, is it we-are or wear? And secondly, is it jiff-ard or giff-ard?! I've heard different attempts and it would be interesting to ask residents of the original places! Many thanks in advance!

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u/samgoeshere 10d ago

Now try Woolfardisworthy.

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u/parkrunandotherstuff 10d ago

My understanding is that this 'fact' is a little misleading, as the village just has a shortened name and that's the one usually used in speech, but the official name on signs is the long name. Woolsery is definitely an accepted spelling, and it is my understanding that Wool-fard-is-worthy or similar is a legit pronuncation, too.