Hen-RECK-ah (for Henrico) brings us full circle to the Beggar's Bush
question.  That soft sound, changing an "i" to a short "e", demonstrates
how "Biker's Bush" may have been pronounced and/or spelled "Bicker's
Bush". Then, softening the "c" sound to a "g" sound as they often did
changes it to "Bigger's Bush" or "Beggar's Bush".

Knowing that "Biker" sounded like "Beggar" may be the reason they
chose "bush"--playing off the phrase Neil pointed out in literature from
1588. But no doubt no one considered Biker a beggar and it was probably
more playful than anything else. "Bush" is also an easy way to make
Biker's land alliterative, like Pace's Pains and Jordan's Journey. I
envision them having fun choosing these names.

Other sound changes in this old speech: since "r's" were often changed to
an "aw" sound, "Barker" becomes "Bawka". Given all this, the name "Biker"
could be "Barker" and sounds like "Beggar".  In fact, there was also a
Barker near Jordan's land, and perhaps he was the same man as Biker.

I believe these soft, melodious sounds of Eastern Virginia are mostly
English West Country in origin, where many of the Virginia colonists were
from. It's haunting speech and lovely.

By the way, thanks for all the JERR-dan stories! I love that this old
pronunciation is still around--France to England to Virginia to various
states...and still going!

Connie Lapallo
Author of DARK ENOUGH TO SEE THE STARS IN A JAMESTOWN SKY
www.ConnieLapallo.com

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