St Botolph's Bridge
Early-attested site in the Parish of Colchester
Historical Forms
- pontem Godulfi 13th Colch
- Godulves bregge 13th Oath
- Botulphesbregg 1311 Ct
- Godolffesbregge 1360 ColchA
- Godulnes Bredge alias Botolphes Bredge 1563 Oath
Etymology
St Botolph's Bridge (6″) [bʌtlz] is pontem Godulfi 13th Colch, Godulves bregge 13th Oath, Botulphesbregg 1311 Ct, Godolffesbregge 1360ColchA , Godulnes Bredge alias Botolphes Bredge 1563 Oath. 'Gōdwulf 's bridge.' Gōdwulf is a rare OE name, which was early replaced by the better-known Botolph , the Norman form of OE Bōtwulf . The name was then popularly connected with that of the priory of St Botolph, the patron saint of wayfarers. Cf. Botolph Bridge (PN BedsHu 194 and xli).