Heron Ho
Early-attested site in the Parish of East Horndon
Historical Forms
- Findegode(s)hurne, Fyndegode(s)hurne 1232 FF 1323 For
- ffyn(d)godesherne 1285 Ass 1403 Ct
- Fingods Heron 1588 M
- Hern(e) 1376 FF 1412 FA 1538 LP
- Hern(e) Manor 1593 Lancs
- Hyerne 1476 IpmR
- Heron 1514 EAS(OS)iii 1595 Lancs
- Herun 1536 LP
- Heron alias Herne 1660 Deed
Etymology
This is derived from OE hyrne, 'nook, corner.' The estate projects into Ingrave, by which it is surrounded on three sides.The site of Heron Pond (6″) is on the borders of Ingrave, whilst Herongate and Heron Lodge are in the latter parish. There is a tradition that the name is due to the existence of a heronry here, but that is clearly an ex post facto etymology. The early distinguishing prefix is a ME surname of the nickname variety found elsewhere in Essex. John Fyndegod was regarder of the Forest of Essex in 1365, and John Vyndegode was vicar of West Ham in 1388 (EAS vi). In Morant's time Fingods still survived as the name of woods belonging to the manor of Herons (i, 211).