English Place-name Society

Survey of English Place-Names

A county-by-county guide to the linguistic origins of England’s place-names – a project of the English Place-Name Society, founded 1923.

Southend-on-Sea

Early-attested site in the Parish of Prittlewell

Historical Forms

  • Stratende, Strateshende 1309 Extent
  • Stratesonde 1309 Harl
  • venella vocat' Sowthende parochie Beate Marie de Pritwell 1481 Will
  • Southende, Sothende 1536 MinAcct

Etymology

Southend-on-Sea is Stratende , Strateshende 1309Extent , Stratesonde 1309Harl , venella vocat ' Sowthende parochie Beate Marie de Pritwell 1481Will , Southende , Sothende 1536MinAcct .'The south end' of Prittlewell parish. v. suð , ende . Dr J. F. Nichols has shown that Stratende was doubtless the 'old town' of Southend, where the Corporation Jetty now is. The stræt was a highway from Prittlewell Priory to Milton and the shore, along which grain was carried for shipment to Canterbury (SouthendAS ii, 40–1). venella is used of a small lane.