Goverton
Early-attested site in the Parish of Bleasby
Historical Forms
- Sofertune (sic) 958 YChii 14th
- Goverton c.1200 Thurgarton 1230 Pat 1236,1281 FF 1280 Ass 1302 FA 1318 Ipm
- Gouirton 1332 SR
- Govereton 1287 For
- Guverton 1287,1301,1302 Ass 1301 FF
- Gourton 1362,1440 IpmR 1482 FF t.Jas1 ECP
- Gowrton 1549 FF
- Goyrton 1542 LP
- Gorton 1597 FF c.1600 Wollaton
- Gorton al. Goverton 1609 Recov
- Goarton 1607 Thoresby
Etymology
The first element in Goverton may perhaps be the OE personal name Godfrith , influenced possibly by the corresponding OScand Guthfrith . Guthferth is a regular weakened form of Guthfrith , and 'Godfrith 's tun' or 'Guthfrith 's tun' would doubtless develop very early to Goverton or Guverton . For the development of the first element cf. Wiverton infra 230. This seems more probable than Ekwall's suggestion (DEPN) that the first element is gor-ford , 'muddy ford.' Absorption of th before f (v ) seems more probable than loss of r before f . For the nominative form in place of the more usual genitive form of a personal name in a place-name compound, cf. Edwalton, Egmanton, Wollaton, etc., in this county.