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.

Goldbridge Ho

Early-attested site in the Parish of Hurstpierpoint

Historical Forms

  • Godebrig 1239 FF
  • Goldebrigge 1332,1448 FF
  • Goldbrigge 1491 SRS14,95

Etymology

Goldbridge Ho is Godebrig 1239 FF, Goldebrigge 1332, 1448 FF, Goldbrigge 1491 SRS 14, 95. It is difficult to believe that this bridge and another in Newick infra 316 can both contain the OE  pers. name Golda , otherwise unknown in this county.Rather we must have OE  golde , used, as Ekwall (PN La 99 s. n. Golborne) shows may well have been the case, of the marsh marigold or some other golden plant. Cf. atte Goldbrok in Maresfield (1332 SR). In that case the name would mean 'bridge by which golde grows.' Cf. also Goldiford (PN BedsHu 195).