Bramingham (Great and Little)
Early-attested site in the Parish of Luton
Historical Forms
- Bramblehangre 1240 Ass
- Brembelhanger 1247 FF, Ass
- Bremelhangre 1247 Ass 1269,1271 FF 1287 Ass
- Brambelhangre 1247 Ass
- Bramhangre 1247 Ass
- Brumelhangre 1276 Ass
- Brimelhangre, Brymelhangre 1276 Ass
- Bramleshangre 1276 Ass
- Bramelhangre 1287 Ass 1324 Ch 1504 Ipm
- Bremerhangre 1287 Ass
- Brambelhanger 1290 ADiv 1297 SR
- Brymbelhanger 1379 Cl
- Brambleangre 1426 IpmR
- Bramanger 15th HMC, Var iv
- Braminger 1599 NQi
Etymology
It is stated in the VCH (ii. 363) that these two forms represent the ancient manor of Bramblehanger. If that is the case, it is clear that the old name must have undergone some archaising process, for the form Bramingham has not been traced back earlier than 1570 (cf. BHRS ii. 108). The old manorial name is a compound of OE bræm(b)el and hangra and the whole name means 'wood on a slope, with brambles growing in it.' The original site was perhaps the wood called now 'Great Bramingham Wood.' The normal development of this OE name is found a few miles away in Bramagar Wood in East Hyde. The development of that name would however seem to be entirely independent of the manor in question.