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.

Ferngore

Early-attested site in the Parish of Motcombe

Historical Forms

  • Ferngore 1270 For 1292 GillCt 1327 SR 1811 OS
  • Frengore Hy3 Cerne 14
  • Fernegore 1300,1568 Hutch3
  • Ferengore 1307 GillCt
  • Wyrnegore 1332 SR
  • Vernegore 1397 WRO 1438 GillCt
  • Estvernegors 1475 ib
  • 2 closes called Fernie Gores 1609 LRMB
  • Fern Gore Ho 1838 TA

Etymology

Ferngore (lost, ST 859270), Ferngore 1270For , 1292GillCt , 1327SR all (p), 1811 OS, Frengore Hy 3 (14) Cerne, Fernegore 1300, 1568 Hutch3, Ferengore 1307GillCt (p), Wyrnegore 1332 SR (p), Vernegore 1397WRO (p), 1438GillCt , Estvernegors 1475ib , 2 closes called Fernie Gores 1609LRMB , Fern Gore Ho 1838TA , 'point of land where ferns grow', v. fearn , fearnig , gāra ; this place is mentioned in the bounds of the forest of Gillingham (v. Forest Fm & Side in Gillingham par. supra ), the 'gore' having left a marked kink in the present county bdy (here coterminous with the old forest bdy).