Clapperentale Fm
Early-attested site in the Parish of Ottery St Mary
Historical Forms
- Clobbere Thale juxta Fyneton 1302 Ass
- Clobern Tale 1381 Rental
- Clopernetale 1573 Deed
Etymology
The second element in this name is clearly that of the river Tale (v. supra 13) on which it stands. Presumably, as is so often the case in Devon, the various farms on its banks bore names distinctive of their owners or occupiers. This may point to some family nicknamed the 'clubbers' from their fondness for using the club or cudgel. The n would be from the weak plural form. Later the name was clearly affected by the well-known clapper -bridge (cf. also Clap Mill supra 579).