Wansford
Major Settlement in the Parish of Nafferton
Historical Forms
- Wandesford 1176,1218 Percy 13th Bridl t.John AddCh 1514 FF
- Wandesforth(e) 1180–97 Melsa 1303 Meaux c.1400 Melsa
- Wandesfordh 1430 YD
- Wandeford 13th,1218,1227 Percy 1218 1219,1220 Ass 1275 Ebor c.1310 Percy
- Wandeforth 1276 RH 1279–81 QW
- Waundeford 1219 Ass 1227 FF
- Wandlesford 1234 Percy
- Wendeford 1257 Percy
- Wandifford (sic) 1259 Ass
- Wannyford 1514 FF
- Wonsforth 1695 Morden
Etymology
'Wandel 's ford.' There is good evidence in place-names for an OE pers. name Wændel , as in Wensdon (PN BedsHunts 114) and Wellingborough (PN Nth 140). In Wansford, as in some other examples, the persistence of Wand - points rather to an OE unmutated form Wandel , corresponding to OHG Wandil .Similarly the almost regular loss of medial l in the ME spellings is to be seen in Wensley (PN NRY 257) and Hutton Wandesley (WRY), Wandeslage DB.