Richmond, York, Kendal, &c. _Fenol_ and _finugl_, as also _finul_, are
Saxon words for _fennel_; which, it is very probable, has in some way
or other given rise to this name. May not the _monastic institutions_
have used fennel extensively in their culinary preparations, and thus
planted it in so great quantities as to have induced the naming of
localities therefrom? I remember a portion of the ramparts of the
town used to be called _Wormwood Hill_, from a like circumstance. In
Hawkesworth's _Voyages_, ii. 8., I find it stated that the town of
Funchala, on the island of Madeira, derives its name from _Funcko_,
the Portuguese name for _fennel_, which grows in great plenty upon the
neighbouring rocks. The priory of Finchale (from _Finkel_), upon the
Wear, probably has a similar origin; _sed qu._

G. BOUCHIER RICHARDSON.

Newcastle-upon-Tyne, May 12. 1850.


_Christian Captives_ (Vol. i., p. 441.)--In reply to your
correspondent R.W.B., I find in the papers published by the Norfolk
and Norwich Archæological Society, vol. i. p. 98., the following
entries extracted from the Parish Registers of Great Dunham,
Norfolk:--

"December, 1670.
£ s. d.
Collected for the redemption of y'e English
Captives out of Turkish bondage 04 05 06

Feb. 13. p'd the same to M'r. Swift, Minister