The popular detective series Midsomer Murders derives its name from the fictional English county of Midsomer, where all the show's events unfold. This naming choice is a deliberate naming convention within the series, designed to create a distinct and recognizable setting for the numerous mysteries.
The Inspiration Behind the Name
The name "Midsomer" for the fictional county and its many villages is inspired by a real-world location. The show draws its influence in part from the actual English county of Somerset. More specifically, the naming convention is directly influenced by the existing town of Midsomer Norton, located within Somerset.
Within the fictional world of Midsomer Murders, many of the villages and small towns across the county incorporate the word "Midsomer" into their names, such as Midsomer Newton, Midsomer Magna, or Midsomer Worthy (though these specific names might not all appear in the show, the convention is applied). This creates a cohesive and immersive setting where every locale, despite its unique characteristics, is clearly part of the broader Midsomer county.
This creative decision grounds the fictional world in a believable, albeit exaggerated, English rural landscape, while also providing a unique identifier for the series.
