Helsthorpe (Fm)
Early-attested site in the Parish of Wingrave
Historical Forms
- Helpestorp(e) 1086 DB 1237–40 Fees
- Helpestrope 1086 DB 1227 Ass 1237–40 Fees 1262 Ass 1284 FA 1367 ADvi
- Hilpestorpe 1223 WellsR
- Helperthorpe 1225 Bract
- Helperestrope 1225 Bract
- Helpetorp 1241 Ass
- Helpesthorp(e) 1328 Cl 1346 FA 1365 Fine 1367 Pat
- Helpstrop 1360 Pat 1479 ADvi
- Helpesthrop(e) 1363 1364 Pat
- Helpisthorp 1364 Pat
- Elstrap 1766 J
Etymology
'Helphere's village' v. þorp . The name *Helphere is not actually found in OE but other compounds in Help - are known and the compound name has given rise to a patronymic form in Helpringham (L). v. Ekwall, PN -ing 141. On the other hand the only evidence for an er in this name comes from Bracton's Note Book. This is not strictly an original source but consists of copies from Plea Rolls, and its Helper - forms may be due to a misreading. If so, the origin of the name is OE Help . Helpe , presumably the weak form of this stem, was used as a personal name in the 12th cent.