Clifton
Major Settlement in the Parish of Clifton
Historical Forms
- Clistone 1086 DB
- Clifton(e), Clyfton(e), Clyftun 1167,1190 P 1220–43 Berk 1262 Ipm 1274 Episc 1656 PR
- Clyftun iuxta Bristoll' 1310 FF
Etymology
'Farmstead on the cliff', v. clif , tūn , referring to the cliff in the Avon gorge at the edge of Clifton Down; cf. also atte Clyve 1327SR (p). The Cliftune of BCS 1257 has been identified with Clifton, but this can hardly be correct in view of the fact that Wansdyke and Fosseway are in the bounds.