Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Higrefeld, Higrefelt 1086 DB

• Hiherfeldebec c.1175,c.1200 Font

• Hirefeld(e), Hyrefeld(e) 1198 Font

• Hyrefeld(e)bec, Hyrefeld(e)bek 1249 FF 1260 Font

• Hearf(i)eld 1630,1684,1685 Yorke

• Heathfield 1770 Yorke 1822 Langd

Etymology

'Open land frequented by jays or magpies', v. higera , feld . The modern form with Heath - is late, but the identification is usually accepted (cf. YAJ xxxiii, 387). The place is not to be confused with Harefield 149supra or the neighbouring Highfield (infra ); Highfield and Heathfield are distinguished as Highfield & Hearfeld in 1684Yorke vii, 6–8.