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.

Hinderskelfe

Major Settlement in the Parish of Bulmer

Historical Forms

  • Hildreschelf, Ilderschelf 1086 DB
  • Hildreskelf, Hyldreskelf 1159–81 Kirkham 1167 P
  • Hilderskelf, Hylderskelf 1207 FF 1253 Ch 1259 Ass 1301 LS 1336 Ch 1418 YI
  • Hyldyrschelf c.1280 Kirkham
  • Hinderskelfe, Hynderskelfe 1316 KF 1483 Test
  • Hilderskilf 1344 FF
  • Heldresskelf, Hyldresskelf 1436 NCyWills
  • Hilderskill 1577 Saxton 1610 Speed

Etymology

This is probably a purely Scandinavian name, the first element being Hildar , the gen. of ON  Hildr , a woman's name, and the second being ON  skjálf , 'shelf, seat.' The latter element no doubt refers to the small plateau in the west of the township.For the change of l to n cf. Stittenham 34supra and Hinderwell 138infra .

Places in the same Parish

Early-attested site

Major Settlement