South Halstow
Early-attested site in the Parish of Dunsford
Historical Forms
- Halestou 1086 DB(Exon)
- Alestou
- Halestowe 1244,1249 Ass
- Halstowe 1277 Ass 1286 SR
- Halftouwe (sic) 1285 FA
- Yalstowe 1346 FA
Etymology
It is doubtful if this name can mean 'holy stow,' as one would have expected to find some early spellings with medial gh or w , cf. Halstow (K), earlier Halghsto , Halwestowe and Halstow supra 313. Hastoe in Tring (Herts) has early forms Halstowe (1275FF , 1296SR ) and would seem to be a compound of heall and stow (cf. Cotstow). It may be that this Halstow has the same origin. The early spellings with medial e offer difficulties, but cf. Halsbury supra 104.