Brentford
Early-attested site in the Parish of Coleshill
Historical Forms
- Braynford 1337 Ipm
- Westbraynford 1412 ADi
- Branford Barns 1766 J
Etymology
Brentford Grange is far away from any stream. It must have been called West Brentford in contrast to the true Brentford which was presumably the original name of the ford, due east of Brentford, at the bottom of the valley, across the Misbourne.The modern form has been clearly influenced by that of the well-known Brentford (Mx). That shows early forms Breguntford , Brentford , Brainford , the modern form being a re-spelling due to the influence of the river-name Brent itself. We have no evidence as to whether there was an earlier form Brentford for the Bucks p.n. On the whole it seems unlikely for that would compel us to assume that the Misbourne stream had an earlier name Bregunt , for which there is otherwise no evidence.Perhaps better we should assume an OE pers. name *Brega , a pet-form for one of the numerous OE names in Bregu -. The name may then be 'Brega's ford' but there is no certainty.