Langdridge Fen, Langdridge Drove
Early-attested site in the Parish of Over
Historical Forms
- Langereche 1251 ElyCouch
- Langrede 1471 Rental ib
- Estlongriche 1274 HMCvi
- Estlongreche 1315 Ct
Etymology
Langdridge Fen, Langdridge Drove (6″). Cf. Langedych 1307Ct , Langdisch 1357CCC , Longedyche 1489Ct , Langridge (fen )1575Survey , 1870Witcham , Chattox 1604Atkyns , 1870Witcham , Langridge al. Clattockes , Langreche 1618Depositions , Clattockes 1621SewersD , Clattox al. Langrach 1636 BedL, Clattox or Langrige 1637 ib., Chaddocks 1654BLAcct , Clatter Common 1662 Blaeu, Landgridges Way 1774Terr , Over Chattox 1829 Wells. It is clear that there has been some confusion or corruption. If the earliest forms belong here, this is simply 'long ditch,' v. lang , dīc , but the later corruptions would then be surprising. The second element may be identical with Reach supra 136, with reference to a strip of land near the now drained Willingham Mere. But we have probably to take into account also Langereche 1251ElyCouch (in Chatteris), Langrede 1471Rental (ib.) and Estlongriche 1274 HMC vi, Estlongreche 1315Ct (in Sutton). These three places were probably near the course of the Ouse when it flowed north to the Nene and may contain the element rīc found in Chatteris (infra 247), itself an old name of the Ouse.