Broadhempston
Major Settlement in the Parish of Broadhempston
Historical Forms
- Hamistona 1086 DB
- Hameston' 1179 P
- Hamestune 1219 Ass
- Ammeston 1238 Ass
- Emmeston' 1175 P
- Hemmeston(e) 1220 FF 1242 Fees768,795 1244 Ass 1281 Exon
- Hemmeston(e) Magna 1232 FF
- Hemeston 1236–51 BM
- Hemestone majoris 1266 Exon
- Hemeston Magna 1337 Exon
- Hemmiston Cauntelu 1285 FA
- Hemmeston Cauntelou 1315 Ass
- Brodehempstone 1362 Exon
- Hempstone Magna al. Brodehempstone 1422 Exon
- Hempston Cantelhoo al. Brodehampston 1534 Recov
Etymology
Professor Ekwall suggests (RN 195) that this is from OE Hǣmestūn , 'Hǣme 's farm,' with a pers. name Hǣme , connected with OE Hǣmgils and the like. At that time no early forms were known for the Hems river on which Hempston stands. He took it to be a back-formation. Early forms have now been noted (v. supra 7). These may be taken as proof of the early date of the back-formation or we may, as Professor Ekwall would prefer, take it that the river was named after the same man as the farm and interpret it as Hǣme 's 'ea ' or stream. For Broad , v. supra 338. William de Cantelupo held the manor in 1242 (Fees 767).