Boythorp
Early-attested site in the Parish of Bacton
Historical Forms
- Boytorp 1183 Holme 13 Bromh
- Boythorp e.13 HMC
- Boythorp(e) 13,1249 Holme c.1300 Bromh 1531,1535 CtBromh
- Boysthorpe 1286 Ass
- (leet held at) Boythorpcros 1275 RH
Etymology
Boythorp (lost), Boytorp 1183 Holme, 13Bromh , Boythorp e. 13 HMC, Boythorp (e )13, 1249Holme , c. 1300Bromh , 1531, 1535Ct Bromh , Boysthorpe 1286Ass ; (leet held at ) Boythorpcros 1275 RH. A note by Schram reads, “Apparently on the coast; disappeared with Keswick, Eccles, etc.” The name Boythorp(e) is also found in Db and YE and is usually explained as 'Boia's þorp' (v. Redin 73, DEPN s.n., EPNE I 40). This pers.n. is identified as OG by Forssner (51) and some other scolars, which is “correct in most cases” according to Feilitzen (205). Boy - is an element which occurs in a great many other English place-names. In the names under notice here Wagner (62 ff.) prefers to explain it as the OE common noun *boi(a) 'boy, servant', which he translates 'churl'. Although this is a word of obscure origin, there seems to be no reason to doubt its existence, but it deserves a more thorough investigation (cf. Jordan § 131Anm., Feilitzen 205).