Breazle
Early-attested site in the Parish of Bratton Clovelly
Historical Forms
- Breulishill 1238 Ass
- Breuleshill 1244 Ass
- Brewlleshull 1238 Ass
- Breweleshull 1287,1288 Ass
- Brewelyshill 1288 Deed
- North Breysell 1609 FF
- Bresell 1728 Recov
Etymology
An OE word has here been added to an earlier Celtic place- name as in Dunterton infra 182. Cf. Breulis , a place-name occurring in the Redon Cartulary (334). The second element of this is probably the British word meaning 'court' or 'palace,' perhaps used of a chieftain's residence (W llys , Co , Br lis , les ).The first is difficult. It may be identical with Celtic briva , 'bridge, ford' (there is a stream here), v. Holder 610 and cf. Kellybray (Co), Kellibregh , Killibreu t. Ed 1, Kellybreu , Kellibrey 1338Rental . The name Breulis would then mean 'court by the bridge or ford.'