Spilcombe Copse
Early-attested site in the Parish of Monkton
Historical Forms
- Spillecumbe 1238 Ass
- Spillecomb 1378 IpmR
- Speliacumb 1276 Ipm
- Spelecomb(e) 1423 IpmR
- Spelecomb(e) juxta Honyton 1356 Ass
Etymology
The first element may perhaps be associated with OE spilian , 'to play,' ME spile , 'sport, play,' the whole name meaning 'valley where sports or games were held' or 'where animals disported themselves.' Cf. Plyford supra 597.