What is "bitterne"

Bitterne is an eastern suburb and ward of Southampton, England.

Bitterne derives its name not from the similarly named bird, the Bittern (as some believe) but probably from the bend in the River Itchen; the Old English words byht and ærn together mean "house near a bend" or possibly bita ærn; "house of horse bits", either most likely a reference to Bitterne Manor House. A reference from the late 11th century spells the name Byterne.

Bitterne Ward comprises the suburbs of Bitterne and Thornhill, and had a population of 13,800 at the 2011 census. The ward borders Sholing Ward and Harefield Ward to the west and north.