Pickford Common and Pickford Mill
Early-attested site in the Parish of Wheathampstead
Etymology
Pickford Common and Pickford Mill (both 6″) is Picford t. Ed 1, molendin. de Pykeford 1306, Pykfordebrygge , Pykfordemelle 1385, 1396, Pikforde 1392WAM . The bridge crosses the Lea between Batford Mill and Cold Harbour; Pickford Common lies to the north. The first element would seem to be the OE pīc , 'point,' noted in Pickhill (PN Ess 29), the reference being to the spur of land here between Cold Harbour and Mackerye End.