Sheepsbyre
Early-attested site in the Parish of Chulmleigh
Historical Forms
- Shitelesbere 1242 Fees783
- Chytelesber' 1281 Ass
- Chettisbeare 1285 FA
- Schitesbere 1303 FA
- Schettesbeare 1415 Ass
- Scetisbere 1481 IpmR
- Shittisbeer 1809 M
- Shyddesbeere 1377 Cl
- Shiddesbeare 1378 IpmR
Etymology
The first element is probably the word scyttels , 'bolt, bar,' found in Sheepstor supra 238; the exact sense of the compound of this word and bearu must remain obscure, as one cannot know the appearance of the wood or whether it had some locked opening or the like. The modern form shows the same euphemistic corruption as Sheepstor itself.