Clappers
Early-attested site in the Parish of Fulking
Historical Forms
- atte Clapere 1332 SR
Etymology
Clappers is perhaps to be associated with the family of John le Claper taxed under the neighbouring half-hundred of Wyndham in 1327 (SR). He is called atte Clapere in 1332 (SR). This is the more probable form of the name. There is a small stream and bridge here and we probably have a primitive 'clapper' bridge. Cooper, Dictionary of Sussex Provincialisms 37, defines it as 'a plank raised on piles and laid across a running stream as a footbridge.' Cf. the entry in the Horsham Churchwarden's accounts (SxNQ 2, 73) 'paid for mending Tanbridge Clappers' and Clappers infra 468.