DERIVATION OF THE TOWN’S NAME.
SINCE the first mention of this borough in historical records its name has undergone several changes, yet none of them seem to clash with the generally received opinion as to its derivation.
The most ancient document on which reliance can be placed, is Doomsday record, where it is written Redeford, but whether East or West we are not informed. Early in the 13th century it was commonly written Este Reddfurthe, which change from the one just quoted does not speak greatly for the advancement which learning had made during the intervening period. This pronounciation however appears to fix the date of the ancient seal belonging to the corporation, (of which a correct representation is elsewhere given,) the rude inscription which encircles it corresponding in every particular with the above. In the subsequent century it was written Est Redeforde, afterwards East Redforde, up to the middle of the last century East Redford, and finally, as at present, East Retford. Notwithstanding however, that such alterations were made at the different periods, according to the notions of the different writers, or agreeably with the taste of the times, it will be allowed that none of them tend to throw any obstacles in the way of defining the cause from whence it originated. It therefore was called East, because seated on the east bank of the river Idle, and Retford or Redford, from an ancient ford over that river, the waters of which flowing over a stratum of red clay became tinged with that colour, from the frequent passing and repassing of cattle, &c. and as this circumstance could not fail to attract attention, it was named Red-ford. The situation of this ford was about a hundred yards below the bridge which connects the two Retfords, where its present shallowness sufficiently identifies the spot, and several persons are now living who can recollect its being used in that manner.
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