Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Hamewell 1272–5 WAM

• Hamwelle 1326,1366 Ct

• Hamwellebreche 1379 WAM

• Hamwell Heth 1547 FF

• Hamwell 1705 AddCh 1739 Camden

• Amwellebrache 1343 WAM

• Homwelle 1390 ib

Etymology

This name would seem to be a compound of hamm and wielle . It lies on high ground and the first element, if it is hamm , can only be used in the sense 'enclosed plot.' Hence 'spring by the enclosed plot.' “There used to be a spring by the roadside here in wet weather” (E. J. S.). See also bræc .