The town of Sprowston has seen significant growth in the past decade with the construction of thousands of new homes. This has led to a debate among residents about the correct pronunciation of the town’s name. There are two main pronunciations: one that sounds like “Sp-roo-ston” and another that sounds like “Spr-owh-ston.” Supporters of each pronunciation believe that they are correct. Even within the same household, there can be differing opinions. For example, the chairman of Sprowston Town Council, Bill Couzens, pronounces it with a “row” sound followed by “ston,” while his wife pronounces it with a “prow” sound and then “stun.” Both pronunciations have some historical basis, but there is no indication of the modern pronunciation in the book “A History of Sprowston.” Couzens believes that both pronunciations are perfectly acceptable.
The debate has even reached the Sprowston Sports and Social Club, whose name includes the disputed word. Wendy Denyer, treasurer of the club, pronounces it with the “Sprow” sounding like “brow.” She argues that the spelling of the word suggests that this is the correct pronunciation. However, there is no definitive answer to the pronunciation dilemma. Ultimately, it seems that both pronunciations are widely accepted in the community, and the debate adds a unique element to the town’s identity.
The origins of the name “Sprowston” can be traced back to the Doomsday book, where it was recorded as “Sprowestuna” – the land of Sprow. This suggests that Sprow was a Saxon Chief, and “tun” refers to a settlement. The town was likely settled shortly after the Norman Conquest in 1066. However, there is no information about the pronunciation of the town’s name in the historical book. It remains a mystery as to how the pronunciation has evolved over time and why different variations have emerged.
Overall, the debate about the pronunciation of Sprowston reflects the growth and change that the town has experienced in recent years. As new residents have moved in and thousands of homes have been built, differing opinions on the pronunciation have emerged. While there may not be a definitive answer, both pronunciations have historical roots, making them both valid. The debate has also become a source of community discussion and interaction, adding an interesting element to the town’s identity. Whether residents say “Sp-roo-ston” or “Spr-owh-ston,” their opinions are a reflection of the diverse and evolving nature of Sprowston.
