Unthank
Early-attested site in the Parish of Gamblesby
Historical Forms
- Unthank 1254 Cl
- Utancke 1279 Ass
Etymology
This is an unusually well-recorded example of a widely distributed local name derived from the OE word unpanc , literally 'ill-will' or 'displeasure.'In OE literature the word generally appears in the genitival phrase his unþances , 'against his will.' When used as a place-name, the word denoted a piece of land held 'against the will' or 'without the consent' of its lawful owner. In most cases it meant originally a squatter's holding.