Camberwell
Major Settlement in the Parish of Camberwell
Historical Forms
- Cambrewell(e) 1086 DB 1206 Cur 1279 Ass 1295 Ipm 1297 FF 1370,1373 Pat
- Kambrewell(e) 1200 Cur
- Cambyrwell 1154 Dugdv,96
- Camerwell(a) 12th Dugdv,101 1174,1175 P 1611 SACxxxv
- Cammerwell(e) 1279 Ass 1719 Aubrey
- Camerewell(e) 1199 Cur 1247 FF 1273 Ass
- Camereswell 1244 FF
- Caumerewelle 1295 Ipm
- Camberwell(e) 1241 FF 1262 Ipm 1263,1272 Ass
- Kambreswele 1255 FF
- Chamberwell(e) 1279 Ass 1434 Pat
- Camerwell grene 1572 SewersRept
Etymology
The first element of this name is difficult. It is, in the first place, difficult to know if the b is original or intrusive. It is found already in DB, but we may note that an unoriginal b is found already in DB in Tambretone , Tanbretone for Tamerton (PN D 237, 242), and it is easier to explain the whole series of forms on the assumption that b is due to a phonological change which never fully established itself, than to believe that an original b was so early and persistently lost. If the b is unoriginal, it is perhaps the case, as suggested by Ekwall, that we should note as a parallel Cameringham (L), DBCamelingeham , Lindsey Survey Camringham , 1126 France Cambrigeham , Camerton (ERY), DBCamerinton , and unidentified Cameringcroft (1377), in Mumby (L). Beyond this one cannot go.