Shorncote
Early-attested site in the Parish of Somerford Keynes
Historical Forms
- Schernecote 1086 DB
- Scerncote 1242 Fees
- Shernecot 1249 FF
- Cernecote 1198 P 1199 FF 1566 FF
- Sernecote 1235 Cl 1289 Ass 1535 VE
- Sernekote 1269 Ipm
- Serncot 1242 Fees
- Sarnecote t.Hy3 Ipm
- Sharncote 1375 Ipm
- Sharcote 1387 ib
- Sernecote al. Sharncote 1418 IpmR
- Sharncote al. Cerncote 1568 FF
- Sharnecott al. Cernecott 1631 WIpm
Etymology
Probably a compound of OE scearn , 'dung' and cot(e). The later numerous spellings with initial c and s must be due to the influence of the neighbouring river Cerne (v. RN s. n .) and South Cemey (Gl) on that stream. It is not likely that it is actually named from the river; the forms make it improbable, and it is more than a mile distant. It is really nearer to the upper Thames.