Groton Is An Ancient Name

RE: Etymology of 'Groton'

To the Editor:

We are named after the UK village in Suffolk, which was originally called Grotena.  The village is mentioned in a 1086 census document, which I purchased from the National Archives. Unfortunately it provides little information about where the word Groton comes from.

Sincerely, John Ellenberger, johne@jellenberger.org

Translation of Little Domesday Book Folio 392v of the year 1086; with mention of Groton, England:

SUFFOLK

5 acres of meadow. It is worth 26s. 8d.

In Coresfella 7 free [men] under the commendation and soke and sake of the same man [held] 31/2 carucates of land [and] 25 acres and 10 bordars. Then as now 3 ploughs between them all. 13 acres of meadow. It is worth £3. In Eleigh [Brent and Monks] 7 free men under the commendation and soke and sake of the same man [held] 60 acres of land. Then as now 1 plough between them all. 1 mill. It is worth 10s.

In [Great and Little] Waldingfield 3 free men under commendation and soke and sake of the same man [held] 1 carucate of land 45 acres and 9 bordars. Then 3 ploughs, afterwards 2, now 1; 3 acres of worth 50s. Now Elinant holds it. The third part of a church with 10 acres of free land.

In Cavendish 9 free men under the commendation and soke and sake of the same man [held] 3 carucates of land 5 bordars and 1 slave. 3 ploughs. 14 acres of meadow. 4 head of cattle and 1 horse. Now 15 pigs and 46 sheep. It is worth £3. Roger de Saint-Germain holds it. In Hartest 2 free men under the commendation and soke and sake of the same man with 2 carucates of land 3 bordars. Then as now 2 ploughs. 8 acres of meadow. It is worth £2 .

In [Great and Little] Waldingfield 2 free men. One belonged to Robert fitzWymarc by commendation and both belonged to Wihtgar by soke and sake. They have 2 carucates of land. 9 acres of meadow. 2 ploughs. Now 9 head of cattle, 37 pigs, 69 sheep and 11 goats. It is worth 50s. It is 4 furlongs long and 4 broad. In geld 6d. whoever holds [land] there.

In Groton 1 free man under commendation and sake and soke. He has 10 acres of land. It is worth 20d.

HUNDRED OF STOW.

In Shelland Fin, [...] Richard's predecessor, held 23 acres and 4 bordars. Then as now half a plough and 2 oxen. It is worth 5s . [...]

HALF HUNDRED of Ipswich.

In the borough of Ipswich Wihtgar held 1 church of St Peter, to which belonged, then and now, 6 carucates of land as a manor. Then and afterwards 6 villans, now 8. Then and afterwards 5 bordars, now 15. Then 4 slaves. Then as now