Frinsted is thought to mean a 'place of protection' and is derived from the Saxon word 'frithen', meaning 'protection'. Another theory is that the Saxon word 'fyrhoen' is used, which translates as 'wooded place'. It is first recorded in the Domesday Book as Fredenstede, other spellings have included Freyhanestede, Frensted, Frethensted, Wronsted and Frinstead.
The village church is dedicated to St Dunstan, although an early 19th Century watercolour records it as All Saints. It is Norman in origin, with repairs and enlargement being carried out in 1862.
