Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• boscum qui dicitur Fern 1199–1200 FF

Etymology

Field Copse is probably identical with boscum qui dicitur Fern 1199– 1200FF , where there is a reference to a road between the wood called Fern and the wood called Stert , the latter being Stirt Copse in Leckhampstead (Pt 1254). Fern is possibly another occurrence of the somewhat rare OE word fi(e)rgen, which occurs in Fern Down (Do, DEPN), Ferne Ho (W 188) and Ferryhill (PN NbDu 85), and which means 'mountain'. Field Copse is only on a low hill, however, and the name may be the collective use of fearn 'fern' found in Redfern PN La 60.