Highworth
Major Settlement in the Parish of Highworth
Historical Forms
- Wrde 1086 DB
- Wortha 1094 StOsmund
- Worde 1155 RBE
- Wurda 1158 P
- Wrdha 1158 HMCVari 1263 Ipm
- Hauteworth 1231,1299,1310,1370 Pat 1316 Ipm
- Hegworth 1232 Cl
- Heworth 1249 FF
- Heyewurth 1272 ib
- Heyeworth 1279 FF
- Heywrth 1284 Pat
- Heyworth 1289 Ass 1316 FA
- Alta Whorth 1257 Ch
- Altaworth 1305 Sarum
- Heyghewrthe 1281 Ass
- Hegheworth 1312 1333 SR
- Heyghworth 1321 Ass
- Hyghworth 1296 FF
- Highworthe 1312 ib
- Hieworth 1388 Pat
- Hieghworth 1503 MinAcct
Etymology
Originally known simply as Worth , 'farmstead,' v. worþ . In the 13th century the epithet High was added, the town being situated on a well-marked hill, the highest ground for many miles round. Haute is a partially gallicised form. Cf. Haltwhistle (PN NbDu 100) and further examples given there.