English Place-name Society

Survey of English Place-Names

A county-by-county guide to the linguistic origins of England’s place-names – a project of the English Place-Name Society, founded 1923.

Ravenshead Wood

Early-attested site in the Parish of Newstead

Historical Forms

  • Ravenesheved 1205 Dugdvi 1287 For
  • Ravenheved ib.
  • Ravensheved t.Ed3 16th ib
  • Raven(e)shede t.Hy6 Newstead 1455 Pat

Etymology

Ravenshead Wood is Ravenesheved 1205 Dugd vi, 1287For , Ravenheved ib., Ravensheved t. Ed 3 (16th) ib., Raven (e )shede t. Hy 6Newstead , 1455 Pat. Literally 'raven's head.' It is the highest ground in the neighbourhood and the hill may have been so called from the bird or from a man bearing that name. For other possible meanings of such a place-name see the discussion in PN Sr 403 ff.