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.

Benstead's Wood

Early-attested site in the Parish of Bishops Hatfield

Historical Forms

  • Chewell(e) 1277 Ely 1323 Ipm 1357 BM 1433 IpmR
  • Benstede 1349 AddCh
  • le Heron 1342 Ass

Etymology

Benstead's Wood (6″) is the site of the manor of Chewell (e )1277Ely (p), 1323 Ipm, 1357 BM, 1433 IpmR, the present name going back to the family of Edward de Benstede (1349AddCh ).Another part of the manor was held by William le Heron (1342Ass ). Cf. Heyrounneshide 1362 BM, Herons 1389 Cl, 1489 Ipm.v. hid infra 245.