English Place-name Society

Survey of English Place-Names

A county-by-county guide to the linguistic origins of England’s place-names – a project of the English Place-Name Society, founded 1923.

Bridwell

Early-attested site in the Parish of Uffculme

Historical Forms

  • Bredewylle 1280 Ass
  • Bridewille 1288 Ass 1333 SR
  • Brydewill 1298 Ass
  • Bridwildoun 1499 Ipm

Etymology

No certainty is possible as to the first element in this name. The forms are perhaps in favour of OE  brȳd , 'bride,' rather than bridd , 'bird.' The reason for such a name must remain a matter of speculation. Equally ambiguous is brydena wyll (BCS 723, a Devon Charter), which may be 'birds' or brides' spring.'Cf. Bread wick supra 49.