Ranskill
Major Settlement in the Parish of Ranskill
Historical Forms
- Raveschel 1086 DB
- Rauenschel c.1280 Blyth
- Ravenskel(le) 1307 DukRec 1553 Pat
- Raveneskell 1387 Cor
- Ravenecelf (sic) 1235 Ebor
- Raven(e)skelf 1275 RH 1280,1302,1330,1340 Ass c.1280 Blyth 1327 Banco 1359 FF
- Raven(e)skelf juxta Blidam 1302 Ass 1327 FF
- Raven(e)schelf 1276,1340 Ass c.1280 Blyth 1291 HMCVarvii
- Raven(e)shelf 1320 FF
- Rauenschalf c.1280 Blyth
- Ranskelf 1364 FF
- Ranskyll 1513 ib
- Raynscall 1581 Recov
- Ranskell 1654 FF
Etymology
The second element is identical with that of Raskelf (PN NRY 26). It may be the ON skjalf , 'shelf, seat,' or else a Scandinavianised form of OE scylf , 'shelf, ledge, slope,' etc. The village is on a slight slope above the dead level ground along the Idle. Hence 'Hrafn 's slope' or 'raven-slope.'