That�s the trouble with these Old English names - they conjure up images of woodland and open pastures and rolling meadows and � donkeys. One particular disappointment for me is Leytonstone in East London. Originally Leyton-atte-stone, or Leyton of the Stone � actually refers to a �woodland clearing (Ley) with farmstead (Ton) where stands a (Stone) mile marker� which has been dated back to Roman times. The marker stone has since been updated, although the base is very very old.
Anyway, anyone who has ever been in sniffing distance of Leytonstone will know that woodland clearings and rolling meadow�s have not featured for a very long time.