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.

Wood Fen

Early-attested site in the Parish of Littleport

Historical Forms

  • Penhenorte 1251 ElyCouch
  • Penstr(e) 1306,1334 ib
  • Pensenort north fenne or Woodfenne, Penhenorte al. Penynorth 1606 Depositions
  • Penkenort 1611 ExcheqDecrees
  • Wood Fen 1636 BedL

Etymology

Wood Fen is Penhenorte 1251ElyCouch , Penstr (e )1306, 1334 ib., Pensenort north fenne or Woodfenne , Penhenorte al. Penynorth 1606Depositions , Penkenort 1611ExcheqDecrees , Wood Fen 1636 BedL.This name must in its earlier form remain an unsolved problem.