Britwell Salome
Major Settlement in the Parish of Britwell
Historical Forms
- Brutwelle 1086 DB
- Brittewilla c.1090(c.1225),c.1225 Abingdon
- Brittewella 1285 Ass
- Bretewelle 1220 Fees c.1220 Os
- Brutewell' 1235–6 Fees
- Brutewell 1272 Ch
- Brutewell Solham 1320 Cl
- Brutewell Soleham 1355 Ipm
- Brutewelle Solham 1357 AD
- Brottewell 1275–6 RH
- Brotewelle 1285 Ass
- Bruitwell Solham 1321 Cl
- Britwell Salome 1613 Briers1
Etymology
This is clearly not 'bright spring,' as stated in DEPN, though the second element is w(i)elle. It is equally clearly identical with Britwell in Burnham Bk, about 17 miles away, and Brightwells Fm in Herts (v. PN Bk 217 and PN Herts 104 for forms, though the etymology 'bright spring' is given there also). The first element appears to be found again in Britford W (PN W 221), and in a minor name brytta pol KCD 778 near there, and possibly in Brightford Hundred Sx (PN Sx 192). In PN W it is suggested that this element is the word Bryt , 'Briton,' and this is formally probable, the only other OE word suggested by the forms being brytta , 'giver, prince, lord.' It can hardly be coincidence that the six names are all connected with water, and it may be that the first element is really a stream-name: there is no name resembling this in RN.
Britwell Prior takes its addition from the Prior of Christchurch, Canterbury. The form for c. 1045 is from a charter of Edward the Confessor confirming the possession by Christchurch of various estates. Britwell Salome is so called from the family of Almaric de Suleham , who is mentioned in this connection 1235–6 Fees. The name of this family (derived from Sulham Berks) appears also in Berrick Salome 120.