Parracombe
Major Settlement in the Parish of Parracombe
Historical Forms
- Pedracomba 1086 DB
- Parrecumb(e) 1238 Ass 1285 FA
- Parracombe 1291 Tax
- Perecumbe 1281 Ass
- Pearecumbe 1297 Pat
- Pearecombe 1307 Oliver
- Pearrecombe 1308 Exon
- Piarecomb 1303 FA
- Parkcumbe 1281 Ass
Etymology
This is a difficult name. Probably Blomé's suggestion (7) is the best, viz. that it is from OE pearroc-cumb , 'valley marked (or distinguished) by an enclosure.' According to Mr Watkin there are the remains of a very early 'motte' or enclosure in the valley below. For the DB form we may compare Parrock (PN Sx 368), DB Apedroc . The later forms now brought to light are against Ekwall's tentative suggestion (RN 321), based on the DB form, of a river-name Pedred or Parret.