Ferne Ho
Early-attested site in the Parish of Donhead St Andrew
Historical Forms
- Ferne 1256 FF 1275 RH 1297 FF
- Ferne al. Verne 1561 ib
- Verne House 1675 Ogilby
- Ferne 1225 SR 1255 RH
Etymology
Ferne Ho is Ferne 1256 FF, 1275 RH, 1297FF , Ferne al. Verne 1561 ib., Verne House 1675 Ogilby, and was the home of Philip de Ferne (1225SR , 1255 RH). OE fearn, 'bracken,' is unlikely, for we should have expected la ferne if that was its history.An alternative possibility is the OE fiergen , 'wooded hill,' which lies behind Ferryhill (PN NbDu s. v .). Cf. also Fern Down (Do) in DEPN.