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.

Northlew

Major Settlement in the Parish of Northlew

Historical Forms

  • Leuia 1086 DB
  • Lewe 1274 Ipm
  • Liw 1228 FF
  • Lyu 1242 Fees778
  • Lyu Toritune, Lyu Toritone 1258 Exon
  • North Lyu 1316 FA
  • Northleu t.Ed3 BM
  • Northlieu 1353 FF

Etymology

The place takes its name from the river on which it is situated (supra 8). North to distinguish from Lewtrenchard infra 187.Why Toritune (i.e. Torrington) is not clear.