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.

Hailsham

Major Settlement in the Parish of Hailsham

Historical Forms

  • Hamelesham 1086 DB
  • Eilesham 1087–1100 Dugdiii.246 1463
  • Eylesham 1230 Pat 1248 Ass
  • Helesham 1189 Ch 1335 FF 1252
  • Elesham 1230 Pat
  • Helesam 1238 Pap
  • Helsham 1535 VE 1656 SAC25,227
  • Heilesham 1198 FF 1344 ADv
  • Heylsome t.Eliz CplM
  • Haylesham 1230 FF 1494 ADvi
  • Elesam 1523 Will

Etymology

'Haegel's ham(m)' with the same pers. name that is assumed by Ekwall (PN in -ing 66, 84) for Hayling (Ha) and Healing (L), found also in Hazeleigh (Ess), 1230 Ch Haylesle .