Spinney Abbey
Early-attested site in the Parish of Wicken
Historical Forms
- (de) Spineto 1227 FF
- Spinney 1267,1301 Pat 1438 Imb
- (La) Spyn(n)ey(e) 1279 RH 1403 EAxiii
- Spine c.1290 Hosp 13th Colexviii
- Speney(e) 1374 1511 CAPrxxxiv
Etymology
“The spinney,” OFr espinei , “a place where thorn-trees grow.” Cf. “the prior and convent of St Mary and St Cross in the Spinney of Wykes” (1269 Pat). Often referred to by its Latinised name Spinetum , 'thorn-thicket.'