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.

Grovedown

Early-attested site in the Parish of Eastbourne

Historical Forms

  • Grevedowne 1339 Ipm
  • Grofedowne 1393 Ct
  • Grovedowne 1436 Ct
  • Grove Down 1746 Ct

Etymology

Grovedown (lost) is Grevedowne 1339 Ipm, Grofedowne 1393Ct , Grovedowne 1436Ct , Grove Down 1746Ct . There would seem to have been confusion between OE  græfe, 'thicket' and graf , 'grove.' An actual grove of trees is impossible here.