Survey of English Place-Names

Etymology

Friarsmill Bridge, Friars Fm, cf. Foyersmull 1361 Ipm, Fowyaresmull 1374 Ipm, 1376 Fine. The identification with Friarsmill Bridge seems probable, as the bridge of Fowyaresmull is mentioned 1374 Ipm, in an account of the service by which the estate was held. As often as the king travelled over the bridge of Fowyaresmull , the lord of the messuage was to come before him and offer him two white capons with the words 'Behold, lord, these two white capons which you used to have at another time, and not now.' The estate originated in a grant made to Reynold le Fouwer by Henry II in 1188 (VCH iv, 536); v. Reaney 124–5 for this surname. There has been association with the word friar .