Bransford
Major Settlement in the Parish of Bransford
Historical Forms
- Branesforde 716 BCS134 14th EveA c.1086 ChronEve 1190 Ipm 1215 13th 1316
- Bregnesford 963 BCS1106 11th
- Bradnesford 1086 DB
- Berneford c.1086 EveA 1190
- Brantesford 1255 Ass
- Brannesford 1270 FF
- Bransford 1275,1327 SR
- Braunceford, Braunsford 1308 Wigorn 1420 IpmR 1675 Ogilby
Etymology
In dealing with this name we must also take into account the Bragenmonna broc of BCS 1107, which seems to flow into the Teme opposite to Bransford. The phonology of the various forms is difficult, and the meaning of the first element uncertain.It is possible that it is also found in Brayfield (Bk, Nth), cf. PN Bk 4. Professor Ekwall suggests that in both we have OE brægen , *bragen , 'brain,' but used also of the crown of the head, as appears from the use of brægn to translate Latin verticem in the 'fall on his own pate' of the Psalms. There is a hill-spur at Bransford, rising some 60 ft. above the Teme. The Brayfields lie on high ground above the valley of the Ouse.