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.

Walden

Major Settlement in the Parish of King's and St Paul's Walden

Historical Forms

  • Waleden(e) 888 BCS557 13th P 1158 Ipm 1285
  • Kyngeswaledene 1278 Ass
  • Waleden Regis 1294 SR
  • (on) Wealadene 11th KCD1354 12th
  • Waldene, Waldenei 1086 DB
  • Waldan(e) Regis 1190 BM 1296
  • Walden Kinges 1222 ib
  • Walden Abbatis c.1275 Gesta
  • Abbotteswalden 1342 Ass
  • Pawles Walden t.Eliz ChancP
  • Walden Abbatis al. Powles Walden 1558 Recov
  • Wolding 1618 Sess
  • king in 1086 (DB)

Etymology

'Valley of the Britons or serfs,' v. weala , denu . King's Walden was held by the king in 1086 (DB). St Paul's Walden was given to the abbot of St Albans in 888 (BCS 557). It remained with the abbey till the Dissolution and in 1544 was granted to the Dean and Chapter of St Pauls (London).