Harpsfield Hall
Early-attested site in the Parish of St Peters
Historical Forms
- Herpesfeld t.Hy2 Dugd 1304 Ipm
- Harpesfeud 1239 FF 1248 Ass
- Harpusfeld 1342 ib
- Harpesfelde Halle 1389 Cl
Etymology
Harpsfield Hall is Herpesfeld t. Hy 2 Dugdet freq to 1304 Ipm, Harpesfeud 1239FF , 1248Ass , Harpusfeld 1342 ib., Harpesfelde Halle 1389 Cl. The forms for this name closely resemble those for Harpsford (PN Sr 121). That name was interpreted as a compound of OE herepæð , 'army track,' and ford .The Hertfordshire name should probably be interpreted in the same way, this feld or open land taking its name either from the road from St Albans which passes here to join the Great North Road a few miles further on or from the old Green Lane to the east of the Hall. There were other Harepaths in the neighbourhood, apparently different ones (cf. supra 67 and infra 96).Similarly Hartsbourne (supra 64) probably takes its name from an old road, but it is very difficult to distinguish which one. The stream so called rises about a mile west of Watling Street. Cf. also Harpswell (L), Herpeswelle 1086 DB which lies by the junction of two important ancient roads.