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.

Ankerdine Hill

Early-attested site in the Parish of Doddenham

Historical Forms

  • Ancredham c.1200 WoC c.1240
  • Ancredeham, Aucredeham c.1220 WoC c.1240
  • Oncredam 1240 Wigorn 1327 SR
  • Oncredeham 1240 Wigorn 1275 SR
  • Ankerdam, Onkerdam 1304,1308 Ipm
  • Oncredenes 1312 AlmBk
  • Ankerden 1649 Surv

Etymology

Professors Ekwall and Zachrisson agree in suggesting that this is a triple compound from OE  ancor , 'anchorite,' hreod and hamm , hence 'reedy ham frequented by an anchorite.'The hill rises up from a big hamm in the course of the Teme.It should be noted that side by side with this place there was, close at hand, a place called Brocredeham , Broccerdham , Brochardham . This may have been another 'reedy ham' haunted by the brocc or badger. The o -forms show the common WCy o for a before nasals.

Places in the same Parish

Major Settlement