Pipewell
Early-attested site in the Parish of Wilbarston
Historical Forms
- Pipewelle 1086 DB 1551 ADv
- Pipwell, Pipwelle, Pipwellea 1166 P(CR) 1428 FA
- Pippewell(e) 1177 P 12th Survey 1391 Cl
- Pippenwell 1331 AD
- Peppewella 1231 Bracton
Etymology
As Pipewell Abbey is on Harpers Brook (supra 2), it must be named from a spring rather than a stream. The first part is probably a pers. name Pippa (cf. Pippanleah BCS 1235 and Pipe a p. n. in DB). Hence, 'Pippa 's spring,' v. wielle . The original name of the Abbey was Sancta Maria de Divisis . It was so called because the Abbey demesne lands lay on both sides of Harpers Brook, which here divides Corby and Rothwell Hundreds.Similarly the precincts of the castle of Devizes (W) lay on the boundary of two hundreds. Cf. PN D 128.