Bechington
Early-attested site in the Parish of Friston
Historical Forms
- Bechingetone 1086 DB 1324 FA
- Bechington 1279 QW 1595 Ipm
- Beketon' t.Rici Cur
- Bekinton 1194 Cur 1206 FF
- Bachington 1251 FF
Etymology
The variant forms pointing both to medial [k] and to medial [tʃ] are difficult. Possibly the first element is an OE pers. name Becci , related to Becca , found only in the Heroic poetry, but with a recorded diminutive Beccel . Cf. Betchworth (Sr), DBBecesuuorde , Betchton (Ch), n.d. AD i Bechintun . Hence perhaps 'farm of Becci ' or 'of his people.' v. ing , ingtun .