Beeston
Major Settlement in the Parish of Beeston
Historical Forms
- Bestune 1086 DB
- Beston(a) 1169,1172,1174–6 P c.1200 Wollaton 1434 Pat
- Bestun' 1235 Fees c.1240 Wollaton
- Beeston' 1182,1183 P 1344 Ass 1353 Ch 1359 FF 1433 Pat
- Berston' 1195 P
- Beistune 1201–12 RBE
- Beyston 1335 Ass
- Beiston 1549 Pat
- Beeston oth. Beeson 1753 Recov
Etymology
The first element of this place-name, which is found also in Bedfordshire, Norfolk, and the West Riding of Yorkshire is probably an OE *bēos , cognate with MLG bēse , Du bies , 'bent grass,' as suggested by Ekwall (DEPN s. n .). Hence 'farm where bent grass grew,' v. tun .