Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Grimberie 1086 DB

• Grimesberi 1198 P

• Grimesbury 1301 Blo

• Grimmesbury 1316 Blo

Etymology

Grimsbury, Old Grimsbury (formerly in Nth) are Grimberie 1086 DB, Grimesberi 1198 P, Grimesbury 1301 Blo, Grimmesbury 1316 Blo.v. burh . Cf. also Grimsbury (PN Nth 63). Grim in this combination is a name for a supernatural power, probably Woden. It is related to OE  grīma , 'a mask,' and refers (like the ON  name Grímr , which is used of Óðinn ) to the god's habit of appearing in disguise. The burh must have been a prehistoric earth-work, which is not now visible. Banbury Lane runs by the place to Hunsbury Camp above Northampton. Cf. Grim's Ditch supra 5.