Orwell
Major Settlement in the Parish of Orwell
Historical Forms
- Oreuuella 1086 ICC
- Oreuuelle 1086 DB
- Orewell(e) 1173 P 1428 FF
- Orewell(e) cum Malketon 1285 Ass
- Orrewell 1322 Ipm 1336 Pat 1518 ADv
- Or(e)duuelle, Ordeuuelle 1086 DB
- Orduuelle 1086 InqEl
- Horwelle 1086 InqEl
- Hor(e)well 1203(p),1260 Ass 1285 Ass
- Oruuella 1086–7 France n.d.
- Orwell(e) 1201 Cur 1459 FF
- Orwell(e) cum Malton 1570 SR
Etymology
Orwell is situated at the foot of a hill which thrusts itself into the valley and was perhaps called ord, i.e. 'point.' Hence 'spring by the ord,' v. wielle . “Orwell of a faire springe risinge there” c. 1640 Layer. For early loss of d cf. Orleigh (PN D 89).