Holtspur
Early-attested site in the Parish of Wooburn
Historical Forms
- Ollesper 1241 Ass
- Holspere 1241 ib
- Olspere 1370 Pat
- Holdspere 1493 Recxi.200
- Hotspur 1797 Desb
Etymology
It is clear that the two elements in this name are holt and ME sperre , 'spar of timber,' used also of a bar of wood to fasten a gate. The exact sense cannot be determined as, in the nature of things, the 'spar' is not likely to have survived. This element is found also in Rusper (Sx), meaning 'rough spar.'