Low Worsall
Major Settlement in the Parish of Kirkleavington
Historical Forms
- Wercesel, Wirceshel, Wercheshal(e) 1086 DB
- Wirkeshale, Wyrkeshale 1154–81 Guis 1335 Ch
- Estwirkeshala 1181 P
- Werkeshal' 1201 ChR
- Wirkesale, Wyrkesale 1285 KI 1303 KF 1367 FF
- Wyrkesale Parva 1301 LS
- Wirkesall 1285 KI 1316 Vill
- Wirsal(e) 1316 Vill Eliz FF 1369
- Parva Worsall 1483 Sanct
Etymology
The first element is an OE pers. name Wyrc not found independently in OE but inferred from numerous place-names.v. Warkworth in PN NbDu 207. The second element probably refers to the nook of land enclosed by the river Tees. v. h(e)alh.