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.

Causewell Fm

Early-attested site in the Parish of Wheathampstead

Historical Forms

  • Creswelle 1218 FF 1392 WAM
  • Criswellfeld 1385 ib
  • Kerswell 1388 VCHii,296
  • Kersewelfeld 1521 AddCh
  • Caswell 1650 ParlSurv
  • Castle Meadow c.1840 TA

Etymology

Causewell Fm (6″) [kæsl] is Creswelle 1218FF , 1392WAM , Criswellfeld 1385 ib., Kerswell 1388 VCH ii, 296, Kersewelfeld 1521AddCh , Caswell 1650ParlSurv , Castle Meadow c. 1840TA .'Cress spring,' v. cærse , wielle . Cf. Castlebury infra 205. The modern form is corrupt. “Formerly famous for its extensive watercress beds and crayfish parties” (E. J. S.).