Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Fair Lop Tree 1738 Smith

Etymology

Fairlop Plain (6″) is Fair Lop Tree 1738 Smith (258) and is named from the famous Fairlop Oak which was cut down in 1820. Under its shade an annual fair was held, founded by Daniel Day (1682–1767). According to tradition, which the above reference disposes of, he was buried in a coffin made from a branch lopped off the tree. This, far from injuring the tree, proved a 'fair lop.' v. Essex Naturalist , viii, 94.