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.

Gownfold Fm

Early-attested site in the Parish of Kirdford

Historical Forms

  • Goundevile 1498 Ipm
  • Gundeville 1271 Ass

Etymology

Gownfold Fm appears as Goundevile (1498 Ipm) and takes its name from the family of William de Gundeville (1271Ass ). The modern form has been influenced by the numerous -folds in the parish, f is commonly pronounced as v in Sussex. Cf. supra 61s. n. Ryefields.