Helpston
Major Settlement in the Parish of Helpston
Historical Forms
- hylpestun ge mære 948 BCS871 c.1200
- Hylpestun c.980 BCS1130 c.1200
- Helpestun(e) 1125–8 ChronPetro 1148–66 NRSiv
- Helpeston 1162 P
- Eelpeston 1284 FA
- Elpston 1322–7 Ipm
- Helpston 1390 Cl
- Helperston 1517 DBE
- Helpson al. Helpston 1571 FF
Etymology
The forms from the Peterborough Cartulary show the confusion of e and y (i ) noted under Barnwell supra 179; the correct vowel is doubtless e . The stem help is found in the OE pers. names Helpric and Helpwine . From this stem also we have an ON woman's name Hialp (v. Lind), found in Helperby, Helperthorpe (ZEN 45). In this name we probably have an unrecorded OE Help . Hence 'Help 's farm,' v. tun . It is possible that the same pers. name is found in Helsthorpe, PN Bk 88.