Thus I have recounted the names of places contained in this excellent map, to the number of 250; whereof 100, marked in this catalogue thus *, are wholly new, or ill-placed by former writers. The reader versed in these kind of inquiries, will find no small number of them; to his judgement I leave them: as to me, the finding fault with others endeavours is very disagreeable. This I may say; it sets us right in abundance, wherein before we had no guide but conjecture, from similitude of names: as, for instance, Uxella, placed in some great authors at Lestwthiel, Cornwall, is in Somersetshire, viz. at Barton, where the Roman road called Foss crosses the river, a little north of Ilchester. Many more might be specified, where only a map can properly direct us.
I must take notice of another use in our map. In the province of Brittania Prima are two Venta’s; but till now we could not ascertain them both: the map shows us, one is Wimborn minster, the other Winchester: the former is on the river Alauna, seen plainly in Blandford, being the ford over the Alauna; Llaunford, in the Belgic pronunciation: called now Allen river. Our author calls Canterbury, Cantiopolis, though before we knew no other name it had than Durovernum: but the modern name of Canterbury seems derived from the former; and the termination favours our author’s observation, in another part of his history, of remains of Greek traders preserved in some places; of which several more instances may be given.
I extend my inquiries here, on Richard of Cirencester’s map, no further than our island of Britain; leaving that of Ireland to those that have proper opportunities.
Nor shall I pretend to assign places in Scotland, any further than the map directs me; but leave them too to those that have proper opportunities of inquiry, in that kingdom.
III.
LET us now proceed to his Itinerary; a truly invaluable monument! From these two we may hope to obtain a complete knowledge of Roman Britain.
CAPUT VII.
Our author calls these, Iters of his Diaphragmata, from their similitude to the animal midriff, passing through the body from side to side.
Rhutupis colonia, Sandwich, Richborough and Stonar castle, Kent, is the first city, says our author, in the island of Britain, towards Gaul; situate among the Cantii, opposite to Gessoriagum, the port of Bononia, Boloign. Hence is the most commodious passage of CCCCL. stadia, or, as others will have it, XLVI. miles.