Home Downs
Early-attested site in the Parish of Ashchurch
Historical Forms
- Hamondowne 1487 MinAcct 1527 Rent
- Hamonsden 1683 PR
- Hamans Down 1830 M
- Homedown 1668 Will
- Homedown als. Hamonsdown 1637 Inq
- Whomedownes als. Hamondowns 1669 GR123
- Whomedons 1673 PR
- Woundens 1777 M
Etymology
'The down or open country of Hamon', v. dūn , which in this low- lying countryside can hardly be used of a hill (cf. EPN i, 138). The pers.n. is OFr Hamond , OG Hamon ; the place is possibly named from Robert fitz Hamon , Earl of Gloucester, to whom the Tewkesbury manors were granted by William II (cf. Rudder 236). On the Whome - form cf. Phonol. § 42 (a ).