Astlam
Early-attested site in the Parish of Littleton
Historical Forms
- Estelham 1291 FF
- Hastelham 1362 FF
- Astelesham c.1400 ECP
- Astelham 1445 HarlCh
- Astlam al. Astleham 1445 BM
- Astelam 1517 FF
- Astlam 1865 O.S.
- Ashlam 1650 FF
- Aslem c.1840 TA
- Ayslem 1850 EnclA
Etymology
This is a difficult name and no certainty is possible. It may be (as suggested by Dr Reaney) that the first element is the rare word ætsteall , found once in an original OE charter of the 11th century (KCD 741) in the phrase ætstealles beorh and twice in rather difficult poetic contexts in Waldhere and Guthlac . The word is rendered 'station, camp' in BT Supplt s. v. For a full discussion v. Tengstrand 142–7. It is difficult to give any precise interpretation but we may note that the corresponding uncompounded steall would seem to be found in Stalham (Nf), Stalham 1044–7 (a. 1300) KCD 785. steall , like ætsteall , is one of those words of wide meaning—'place, position'—to which it is difficult to give any precise interpretation. Hence 'ham by the ætsteall.' Now covered by the new reservoir (1928).