Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Rochehamestod (sic) t.Hy2 Dugdii

• Rochamstede 1210–12 RBE 1212 Fees 1221 FF 1231 Bracton

• Rochamestede 1220 Fees

• Rok- 1224 FF 1281 Ipm

• Rokemestude 1214–35 Gesta

• Roghamsted 1204–12 Fees

• Rothamsted 1248,1278 Ass 1331 FF

• Rotehampsted 1487 WAM

Etymology

'Rook-frequented homestead,' v. hamstede . Cf. Cockhampstead infra 190. “Rooks' nests are very frequent in the elms of this neighbourhood” (E. J. S.). Owing to the similarity of c and t in 13th and 14th-century script and the common and early phonetic confusion of t and k it is impossible to settle the exact date when the t finally prevailed. It is certainly to be read in the 1487 form.