Wallop. In the year 1514 the French fleet ravaged the coast of Sussex, and burned Brighthelmstone, now Brighton, whereupon Sir John Wallop, one of the best naval commanders of his time, was sent by Henry VIII. to make reprisals. In this he succeeded only too well; he burned twenty-one French coasting villages, demolished several harbours, and thrashed the enemy to his heart’s content. His men, however, proud of the achievement, declared that they had Walloped the French; and thus it was that a new synonym for “thrash” came to be incorporated into the English language.
Waltham. From the Anglo-Saxon Waldheim, the home or settlement in the wood.
Waltz. From the German “Waltzer,” the name of the dance, and waltzen, to roll, relative to the revolutions made by the pairs of dancers.
Walworth. Originally a settlement of the Wahls, or foreigners, descendants of the Danes (see “[Southwark]”). This district became in Anglo-Saxon days a worth, or manor, from which Sir William Walworth, the Lord Mayor who slew Wat Tyler, derived his family name.
Wandsworth. Anciently described as “Wandlesworth,” the manor watered by the River Wandle.
Wapentake. Expresses the Saxon for “a touching of arms.” This territorial division, which obtained in Yorkshire in the time of the Anglo-Saxons, and corresponded to the “Hundred” elsewhere, received its name from the periodical meeting of the champions of each hundred to touch spears and swear to defend the common cause.
Wardour Street. After Wardour Castle, the seat of the ground landlord, Lord Arundel of Wardour.
Wardrobe Terrace. Marks the site of the ancient “Wardrobe,” when our sovereigns resided in what was styled “Tower Royal” hard by.
Warwick. From the Anglo-Saxon Wærwic, “war town,” so called on account of its permanent garrison of soldiers.
Warwick Lane. From the town mansion of the Beauchamps, Earls of Warwick.