English Place-name Society

Survey of English Place-Names

A county-by-county guide to the linguistic origins of England’s place-names – a project of the English Place-Name Society, founded 1923.

Harford

Early-attested site in the Parish of Landkey

Historical Forms

  • Bradeharpeford, Little Harpeford 1228 FF
  • Hareford 1281 Ass
  • Brodehertford, Parva Herpford 1285 FA
  • Brodeherford juxta Barnastapel 1318 FF
  • Litelhertford 1347 Orig

Etymology

This probably has the same history as Harpford infra 590, the meaning being 'highway ford,' v. herepæþ . The name may have referred to a ford over the Yeo here, about half-a-mile above the main road from South Molton to Barnstaple.

Places in the same Parish