Hailstone
Early-attested site in the Parish of Cricklade
Historical Forms
- Halagheston 1228 For
- Halweston 1263 WIpm
- Haghelstan 1268 Ass
- Halgestane t.Hy3 Stowe 1300 For
- Haleghestony Haleweston t.Ed3 ib
Etymology
Hailstone is Halagheston 1228For , Halweston 1263 WIpm, Haghelstan 1268Ass , Halgestane t. Hy 3Stowe 798, 1300For , Haleghestony Haleweston t. Ed 3 ib. It is clear that there has been confusion with regard to this name from early times, and it is difficult to say whether it is from OE hālig -stān , 'holy stone' or hagolstān , 'hailstone,' ME hawelston , hailston . If it is from the latter, then the farm was perhaps named from the small isolated Hailstone Hill, north-north-west of it, which may have been nicknamed 'hailstone' from its small rounded character.