Beachampstead
Early-attested site in the Parish of Great Staughton
Historical Forms
- Bechansted 1141–53 BM
- Bich(ch)amestede, Bychamestede Hy2 BM 1227 Ass
- Bi(c)ch(h)amstede, Bychamstede 1163 P 1197 P 1231 Bract 1248,1316 FF 1318,1358 Ipm 1418 FF
- Bicchamestud 1228 FF
- Bichamstude 1245 For
- Bichehamstede, Bychehamstede 1248 FF 1429 ADi
- Bechamstede 1341,1478,1545 FF
- Bichampstede, Bychampstede 1377 FF 1378 Cl 1489 Ipm
- Beauchampstede 1484 FF
- Beachamstede 1577 FF
Etymology
'Bicca's hamstede.' For the pers. name and for the irrational lengthening of the vowel we may compare the history of Beachendon (Bk). Desire to dissociate the name from bitch and ready association with beech have both done their work in these names as in Beechburn (Du), locally Bitchburn .