Blannicombe
Early-attested site in the Parish of Honiton
Historical Forms
- Blanecumbe 1238 Ass 1330 SR
- Blanycombe 1560 ADvi
Etymology
The forms are insufficient for any certain conclusion. We should perhaps compare Blandford (Do), DBBleneforde , Blaneforde , 1201 BM Bleineford . This latter may be from OE blǣgnaford , 'ford of the gudgeon.' Professor Ekwall suggests the possibility of OE blǣgna ēa cumb , 'valley of the gudgeon stream.' Professor Max Förster suggests that the first part of Blannicombe may contain a British word corresponding to Welsh blaen , 'point, end, top.' The place is near the top of a narrow valley.