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.

Fretherne

Major Settlement in the Parish of Fretherne & Saul

Historical Forms

  • Fridorne 1086 DB
  • Frythyngthorne 1337 Ipm
  • Frohorn (sic) 1166 RBE
  • Freorne 1195 P
  • Frethorn(e), Freþorne 1236 Fees 1245 Glouc 1281 Episc 1291 Tax 1535 VE
  • Frethethorn' 1287 Ass
  • Frethern(e) 1368 Works 1653 ParlSurv
  • Frethren 1597 FF

Etymology

Probably 'thorn-tree where sanctuary could be had', from OE  frið, freoðu or freoðen , and þorn ; cf. Ekwall, Studies 5.

Places in the same Parish