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.

Knacker's Hole

Early-attested site in the Parish of Eastham

Historical Forms

  • Nakers Hole, Knackers Hole c.1770,1843 TitheTerrier

Etymology

Clearly a term of reproach, but in what sense knacker is used we cannot be sure. The NED gives us a choice of 'one who sings in a lively manner,' 'trickster,' 'deceiver,' 'harness-maker,' 'dealer in worn-out horses.' The last is the most likely.

Places in the same Parish