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.

Harold Wood

Early-attested site in the Parish of Romford Rural

Historical Forms

  • Horalds Wood c.1237 HPD
  • Horoldswo(o)d(e) 1281,1321 ib
  • Harold(e)swood(e) c.1272,1488 ib
  • Horellyswod 1480 Will
  • Hareldyswode 1490 Ct

Etymology

Harold Wood is Horalds Wood c. 1237 HPD, Horoldswo (o )d (e )1281, 1321 ib., Harold (e )swood (e )c. 1272, 1488 ib., Horellyswod 1480Will , Hareldyswode 1490Ct . 'Harold 's wood.' Earl Harold held Havering in 1066 (DB). It is called strate wald in the bounds of Upminster infra 131 n. 2.