Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Waltham 1062 KCD813 12th

• Holyrode Waltham 1285 Ass 1495 For

• Waltham Sce Crucis 1293 Abbr

• Waltham Crouch 1355 Misc, Waltham

• crosse 1394 Cl

• Waltham Holly Crosse 1572 FF

• Walham 1086 DB

• Watham 1222 StP 1242 Chanc

• Waultham 1243 Abbr

• Wautham 1253 Ch 1262 Pat 1274 RH

• Wautham Sancte Crucis 1255 Ass

• Walteham 1260 Pat

Etymology

'Forest-homestead or enclosure,' v. weald , ham(m), Waltham (PN Sx77), and Great and Little Waltham infra 270–1. The name is identical with Bishops Waltham (Ha) and White and Laurence Waltham (Berks) which are also in forest regions. Holy Cross from the church to which its founder Tofig is said to have entrusted the keeping of a miraculous cross. In a 12th century charter (1108–18), now in the possession of the Dean and Chapter of Durham, we have the name Waltamscire (v. scir ), referring to the Liberty of the Abbey. Cf. Upshire infra 31.