Belsize Fm
Early-attested site in the Parish of Castor
Historical Forms
- Belas(s)ise 1214–22 PeterbB c.1250 Swaffham 14th PeterbA c.1400 Rental
- Betseys Wood 1535 VE
Etymology
Belsize Fm is Belas (s )ise 1214–22PeterbB , c. 1250Swaffham , 14thPeterbA , c. 1400Rental , Betseys Wood 1535 VE. This place-name, found also in Du, Mx, Nb, and Y, is of AFr origin, meaning 'beautiful site, or spot.' The place is situated in the wooded district to the west of Peterborough and may have seemed a pleasant spot by comparison with the flat featureless fenland to the north and east. In 1214 Abbot Robert of Lindsey built houses here, and planted hedges and drained it (VCH ii, 474).