Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Wicstun 1086 DB

• Wichton(a), Wychton(a) 1133 RegAlb 1165,1175 P 1219 FF 1301 Ebor

• Wicton(a), Wycton(a), Wyctun c.1150–60 BM 1160–70 YCh443 1279–81 QW

• Wihtun(a), Wyhtun(a), Wyhton 1156,1167 P 1252 Ch 1285 YI

• Wichetona 1166 RBE

• Wyketon 1279–81 QW

• Wighton, Wyghton 1251 Ass 1298 Cl a.1678 Map

• Wyghton subtus Olde als. under le Olde 1553 FF

• Wyghton on the Woulde 1569 FF

• Whigheton 1259 Ass

• Whigton 1334 BevAct

• Wygthon 1333 YAJxi

• Whyton 1268 FF 1300 Ebor

• Whytthon 1285 YI

• Wicthton 1279–81 QW

• Wytthon 1285 YI

• Wyth(e)ton(e) 1281 Ebor 1338 FF 1356 Ipm

• Wython, Withone 1285 YI

• Market-Weighton 1828 Langd

Etymology

Weighton is clearly a compound of wic and tun , though the meaning of wictun is not obvious. In the Paris Psalter OE  wictun means 'court, vestibule,' but in place-names we may have the sense 'dwelling, dwelling-place' as in other compounds such as OE  wicstow , wicstede , etc. Market Weighton lies on the Roman road to Brough and the possibility of wic having reference to a Roman vicus or settlement should also be taken into account.Cf. Witton, PN Wo 289. For the addition subtus Olde , etc. 'below the Wold,' v. The Wolds supra 13 and on the form Olde v. Introd. xxviii. 'Market' appears to be a fairly recent addition (to distinguish it from Little Weighton supra 205), but the status of market-town is ancient, Reginald FitzPeter having been granted permission to hold a weekly market on Thursdays in 1252 (Ch). v. Addenda lx.