Mousehole (EN) / Porthenys (KW)

Type: 
Settlement
Parish: 
Penzance
Hundred: 
Penwith
Notes: 
Attested in texts: por_enez(1), porth_ennis(1)
Elements: 

enys

Meaning: 
island, isolated place

porth

Meaning: 
cove, gate, harbour
Elements notes: 
<porth> 'cove, entrance, landing place' + enys 'island, isolated place'
Historic forms: 
Pertusum Muris 1242, Portheness 1267, Mushal 1284, Musehole 1284, 1347, Mosehole 1300, 1302, 1304, 1371, Mousehole 1302, 1306, Porthenys 1310, Mosehole 1310, Porthenes 1315, Portenis 1324, Moshole 1334, Porthenys 1339, 1481, Porthenes 1354, Moushole 1356, Mosoul 1388, Mousholle 1391, Mosal 1400, Porthenys juxta Mousehole 1439, Mousehole alias Porthenys c1510, Mowssel, Mowssal 1580, Mawshall 1606.