Chisbridge (Fm)
Early-attested site in the Parish of Hambleden
Historical Forms
- Chissebech 1175 P 1241 Ass 1246 Ass 1307 Cocks
- Chessebech 1228 Bract
- Chisbeach 1766 J 1826 B
- Chisbidge c.1825 O
Etymology
OE Cissan -bæc , 'Cissa's hill,' v. bæc . There is no stream here for us to suspect the other bæc . If it were not for the persistent double s in the early forms one might suspect OE cis, for Chisbridge stands on a ridge of gravel (Harman). The OS form is corrupt and is not accepted locally.
The name Cissa is rare and early. It was borne by a son of Ælle, king of the South Saxons, and it is probable that the name Chichester (OE Cissan ceaster ) takes its origin from him.