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.

Filsham Fm

Early-attested site in the Parish of Hollington

Historical Forms

  • Pilesham, Wileshā 1086 DB
  • Philesham 12th Bello
  • Fylesham, Filesham 1279 Ipm 1342 Ipm
  • Fileshamme 1288 Ass
  • Filsham 1332 Ipm
  • Felesham 1279 Ass
  • Felysham 1288 Ass
  • Fillesham 1279 Ass
  • Fileshamm, Foleshamm 1288 Ass

Etymology

The first element presents difficulties. We might suggest an OE  Fygli , a side-form of Fygela (v. Fylingdales PN NRY 116), but the persistent and early i -forms in this part of Sussex, and indeed anywhere in the county, make derivation from such a name difficult. Perhaps more probable is association with the base of the name Filica discussed under Fillington (PN Bk 207).

Places in the same Parish