Can anybody explain why Hampshire was abbreviated to Hants and not Hamps? The only thing I can find off hand is that : Derived from the 9th century name Hamtunscir, meaning "Shire based on Hamtun", where Hamtun meant the city now known as Southampton. But then the old town was HaMwic! Even Northampton is abbreviated to NorthHANTS! Chris -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.289 / Virus Database: 265.4.2 - Release Date: 24/11/2004