Chesterfield
Major Settlement in the Parish of Chesterfield
Historical Forms
- (ad) Cesterfelda 955 Peniarth 13th
- Cestrefeld 1086 DB
- Cestrefelt, Cestrefeud 1093,1096,1129–38 RegAnt c.1145 Templars 13th RegAnt 1146 15th
- Cestreford 1165 ChancR
- Chestrefeld(e), Chesturfeld, Chesterfeld(e), Chesterfeud, Chesterfeild, Chesterfield 1166 RBE c.1250 Cl 1255 Ipm 1283 Tax 1291 Ipm 1325
- Chastrefeld, Chasturfeld, Chasterfeld, Chasterfild 1291 Cl 1298 Pat 1320 Misc 1330 Ass 16th
Etymology
'Open country near or belonging to a fortification,, v. ceaster , feld . The site of the fortification is unknown and the exact route of Ryknield Street in the area is likewise uncertain, though it seems clear enough that it must have passed close to the modern town.