Place name spelling variations

When you are writing a case study or report and you come across a spelling variation for a  place name should you try and find a reference that lists the specific variation and then cite that source? 

I am assuming some variations are obvious and don't need a citation while others may not be so obvious and may require a reference. I am just not sure about when something is obvious. Just because it is obvious to me doesn't mean it is obvious to someone else!

The example I am working with now is Ridgley as a variant spelling of Rugeley. A marriage license from Rushall, Staffordshire, England lists the grooms place of residence as "Ridgley." All of his children are baptized and he is buried in Rugeley, Staffordshire.

Rugeley is also a surname found in England. Most references I have seen to the surname Rugeley give Ridgley as a variation on the surname.

Thank you,

Ann Gilchrest

Submitted byEEon Fri, 03/04/2016 - 19:32

Ann, in a case such as the one you describe, having an authoritative source to support your assertion that the two are one and the same would definitely strengthen your assertion. 

Thank you. I did some more digging and found the following reference.

Editor L Margaret Midgley, A History of the County of Stafford: Volume 5, (London: Victoria County History, 1959), 'Rugeley: Manors and economic history,' p. 149-162; BHO British History Online (http://www.british-history.ac.uk : accessed 3 March 2016. "...called 'Ridgley baylywick' within the chase in 1598." 

 

Ann