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.

Elford Closes

Early-attested site in the Parish of Stretham

Historical Forms

  • Elforde 1221 ElyA
  • Eleford, Eldeford, Eldefordbrigge 1251 ElyCouch

Etymology

Elford Closes take name from Elforde 1221ElyA , Eleford , Eldeford , Eldefordbrigge 1251ElyCouch . Possibly Eldeford reveals the real origin of the name, viz. 'the old ford,' v. eald , ford . This must have been the ford and bridge where Akeman Street crossed the Ouse.