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.

Brighthampton

Early-attested site in the Parish of Standlake

Historical Forms

  • Byrhtelmingtum 984 Hengwrt 14th
  • Bristelmestone 1086 DB
  • Bristhelmeston 1245 Ch 1304 Cl
  • Brihtelmeston' 1161 P 1202 P
  • Brith' Helmton' 1226 Cl
  • Britholmeston', Brithelingges 1242 P
  • Bridhelmeston 1246 FF
  • Brichelminton' 1246–7 Ass
  • Brithelminton 1268–81 Eynsh
  • Brithelminton', Brithelme'ton' 1278–9 RH
  • Brychampton 1284 Ass
  • Brythamptone c.1360 Eynsh
  • Bristelmentone 1285 Ass
  • Brighthampton 1316 FA 1364 Cl
  • Brighthamton' 1316–17 AD
  • Bryztyngton 1433 AD
  • Brittington 1675 Bodl
  • Brittendon 1696,1728 Bodl

Etymology

'Beorhthelm 's tūn.' Most of the forms are identical with the most frequent early spellings of Brighton Sx (PN Sx 291). Some, however, point to a compound of the personal name with ingtūn, perhaps alternating with the other form, or early superseded by it. The ultimate confusion with hāmtūn appears early also.