Franche
Early-attested site in the Parish of Kidderminster
Historical Forms
- Frenesse 1086 DB
- Frenysse 1249 FF
- Frechene, Frenes 1275 Ass
- Freynes 1275 SR
- Fraynsh 1307 Ipm
- Fraynysche 1421 BM
- Franyshe 1545 Wills
- Fraunche 1587 Wills
Etymology
In explaining Fring (Nf), Professor Ekwall (PN in -ing 77) assumes a pet-form from OE names in Frēa - to explain the early forms Frainges , Freing , Frenges of that name. Behind Franche we may have the same pers. name Frēa , followed in this case by æsc . Hence Frēanæsc , 'Frea's ash-tree.' The same pers. name may be found in Freeford (St), DBFraiforde , 12th c.Freiforde .