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.

Godstow

Early-attested site in the Parish of Binsey

Historical Forms

  • Godestowe c.1150–60 Frid c.1425
  • Godesto(u), Godestov, Godestowa, Godist', Godestow', Godisto(u), Godestou(w)e 1526 LS
  • Godistowe 1526 LS
  • Godestoke 1428 FA
  • Godstowe 1526 LS

Etymology

'The place of God.' v. stōw . So called from the Benedictine nunnery, the 15th century cartulary of which has survived. The nunnery was a 12th century foundation.

Places in the same Parish

Major Settlement