Kentisbury
Major Settlement in the Parish of Kentisbury
Historical Forms
- Chentesberia 1086 DB
- Kentesbir' 1242 Fees784
- Kentesbyri 1275 Exon
- Kentesbury 1316 FA
- Kentelesberi 1260 Exon
- Kentelesbere 1279 Ipm 1303 FA
- Kentelesbur' 1281 Ass
- Kantesbere 1274 Cl
- Kantelesberi 1285 Ipm
- Kynsbury 1523 SR
Etymology
There was clearly a Cornish word centel , which must lie behind such a p.n. as Tregantle (Co), DBArgentel , i.e. upon centel . This may be connected with Welsh cantel , 'rim, circle,' and Centel have been the old name for Kentisbury Down, a circular hill on which tumuli are still found. The name would then mean 'burh belonging to or by Centel .' The burh may be the old 'camp' on Kentisbury Down.