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.

Washford Pits

Early-attested site in the Parish of Kirtlington

Historical Forms

  • Wasreford early13th AD
  • Washeford 1422,1476–7 Rental
  • Whassheforde 1470–1 CourtR
  • Washford 1591 Survey

Etymology

Washford Pits (6″) takes name from Wasreford early 13th AD, Washeford 1422, 1476–7Rental , Whassheforde 1470–1CourtR , Washford 1591Survey . The first element is (ge)wæsc, 'overflow of water,' second element 'ford.' The same name occurs in Devon (PN D 397).