Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Brerehag(h), Brerehage 12 Kirkst 1166–74 YChvi 1210–30 Bodl131d 1385 Baild

• Brerehache 1198 Kirkst

• Brerehay(e) 1260–70 Bodl20 1272 Kirkst 1540 Testvi

• Brerehagh 1285 Skyr 1396 YDvii

• Brerehaughe 1564 FF

• Brerhaga 1172 YChvi

• Brerhagh 1293 QW 1391 Testi

• Brearey 1615 PRAdel 1622 Comm

• West Brearey 1654 PRAdel

• West Breareyhaughe 1618 FF

• West Brerrey 1549 TestLds

Etymology

East Breary & West Breary, Brerehag (h ), Brerehage 12 Kirkst, 1166–74 YCh vi(p), 1210–30Bodl 131d, 1385 Baild, Brerehache 1198 Kirkst, Brerehay (e )1260–70Bodl 20, 1272 Kirkst, 1540 Test vi, Brerehagh 1285 Skyret freq to 1396 YD vii, Brerehaughe 1564 FF, Brerhaga 1172 YCh vi, Brerhagh 1293 QWet freq to 1391 Test i, Brearey 1615 PRAdel, 1622Comm , West Brearey 1654 PRAdel, West Breareyhaughe 1618 FF, West Brerrey 1549 TestLds. 'Enclosure overgrown with briar', v. brēr , haga , with a common interchange with (ge)hæg 'enclosure'.