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.

Bensham

Early-attested site in the Parish of Croydon

Historical Forms

  • Benchesham 12th ADiv 1184 P 1422 FF
  • in bosco de 1255 Ass
  • Northbenchesham 1279 Ass
  • Suthbenchesham juxta Croydon 1325 Ass
  • Bennechisham 1372 SR
  • Benchelesham 1200 Cur
  • Bunchesham c.1300 BM 1331 Pat 1332 SR
  • Bonnchesham 1384,1396,1410,1422 SR
  • Bynchesham 1328 BM 1342,1347 Ass
  • Benchamp 1493 FF
  • Bensham 1539 LP
  • Bencham al. Whitehorse 1589 Recov
  • Bensam 1664 SR
  • Bensom 1721 Recov

Etymology

v. ham(m). The first element is the personal name Bynic .Walter Whithors held the manor in 1367 (Cl).