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.

Burnt Fen

Early-attested site in the Parish of Littleport

Historical Forms

  • Brendefen 1277 Ely 1306,1334 ElyCouch t.Hy5 Fleet
  • Bryntfen 1432 Ct
  • Brenteffen 1471 ib
  • Burnt Fenne 1606 Depositions

Etymology

Burnt Fen is Brendefen 1277Ely , 1306, 1334ElyCouch , t. Hy 5 Fleet, Bryntfen 1432Ct , Brenteffen 1471 ib., Burnt Fenne 1606Depositions , v. brende , fenn . It has been suggested that it owes its name to the burning of the fen by Hereward.