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.

Hamshill Ditches, Himsel

Early-attested site in the Parish of Grovely Wood

Historical Forms

  • Henepeshulle t.Ed2 For
  • Hemneshill 1570 PembSurv
  • Hempeshil cops 1589 WMxxxv
  • Hempell Copse 1651 Hoare

Etymology

Hamshill Ditches (Himsel 6″) is Henepeshulle t. Ed 2For , Hemneshill 1570 PembSurv, Hempeshil cops 1589 WM xxxv, Hempell Copse 1651 Hoare. The first element may be OE  henep , 'hemp,' but if so the genitival compound is strange. Wild hemp is frequent in coppiced woods and clearings (E.J.S.). Cf. Hampage in Avington (Ha), Hanepinge 1256Ass , Hemepynge 1305 Ipm, Hanepynge 1369 Winton.