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.

Woolmer Bridge

Early-attested site in the Parish of Woolbeding

Historical Forms

  • Wolvardesbrugge, Wolfardesbrugge 1316,1324 Ipm
  • Wolvardesbrigg 1354 Ipm

Etymology

Woolmer Bridge (6″) is Wolvardesbrugge , Wolfardesbrugge in 1316, 1324 Ipm, Wolvardesbrigg in 1354 Ipm, i.e. the bridge of Wulfheard . The modern form is perhaps due to confusion with the neighbouring 'Foresta de Wulmere ' mentioned under Midhurst in 1279 (Ass 921, m. 21). The name of this otherwise unknown forest seems to be identical with that of Woolmer Forest (Ha), which probably appears in BCS 1265–6 as Wlvemere , Uulfamere , i.e. 'wolves' pool.'

Places in the same Parish

Major Settlement