Hunh. Wouldn't it have been simpler just to assume the name had changed, as place names often do over the centuries?
Probably. Ferguson seems to admit he got waylaid by the subplot.
Wait, he was dismayed that his proposal was approved?
No, he was frustrated that the already-approved proposal was suddenly no longer approved by the time the manuscript was finished and sent off for approval. This happened to several authors at the time, making them very angry with Richard Arnold. I edited the entry to be a bit clearer. Sorry!