Holywell
Major Settlement in the Parish of Holywell cum Needingworth
Historical Forms
- Haliewelle 1086 DB
- Haliwell, Halywell 1231,1234 FF 1238 Cl 1526 LS
- Halliwell, Hallywell 1350 ADi 1571 FF 1601 BM
- Haylywell 1569 FF
- Hollywell 1600 FF c.1750 Bowen
- Hallowell Eliz ChancP 1601 Cai
Etymology
'Holy spring' (v. halig , wielle ) with the common shortening of the vowel in later Halli - and Holli -. The modern spelling is due to the influence of the uncompounded adj. holy . The Holy Well itself still survives and is known as such.