Prickley Green
Early-attested site in the Parish of Martley
Historical Forms
- Prikelege 1221 Ass
- Prieleye, Prielea 1275 SR
- Preheleye 1275 Ass
- Pregele 1289 Ipm
- Prighelege 1308 Ipm
- Prichel 1332 SR
- Prykley 1521 LP 1537 Wills
- Prickley 1654 FF
Etymology
Neither the OE prica , price , nor its derivative pricel , seems in OE to be used except of a prick or goad, or the action which results from such. If we take therefore the first element of this name to have anything to do with that word, the most probable solution is that the first element was some compound of price , such as pric þorn (BCS 945) and we must assume that the triple compound pric þorn leage has lost its middle element in the fashion demonstrated by Ritter (88 ff.). Numerous other compounds are possible, cf. prickwillow , pricktimber , etc. The variant ME spellings are probably due in part to an alternative palatalised form, for which cf. pritch (NED). It should be noted that a late pers. name Price is not entirely out of the question. Cf. that name as borne by a moneyer of Edward the Confessor. We may also note Prixford (D), Pirkeworth in 1238, Pirkesworth in 1330, Prichescroft in Bedwardine (14th), Prickefeld in Shurnock (1649 Surv). See also Prickshaw (PN La 60).