Bragbury End
Early-attested site in the Parish of Datchworth
Historical Forms
- Brackburgh 1429 Ct
- Bragbury Grene ib.
- Blakborweend 1451 Ct
- Bragberg end 1598 N
- Brackberrie end 1638 Terrier
Etymology
Bragbury End is Brakeburue 1294, Blakeberwe 1296, Brageberewe 1307, Brackeburghe 1314SR (all p), Brackburgh 1429Ct , Bragbury Grene ib., Blakborweend 1451Ct , Bragberg end 1598 N, Brackberrie end 1638 Terrier. The first element in this name is probably OE bracu , recorded in the compound fern-bracu (BT Supplt) and discussed in PN Nth 49 (s. n. Brackley). The second element is beorg . Hence perhaps 'hill marked by a clump of fern, brushwood, or the like.' Forms with l are probably due to dissimilation, r –r becoming l –r .