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.

Corton Manor

Early-attested site in the Parish of Hilmarton

Historical Forms

  • Corfton(e) 1195 1332 SR
  • Corfeton 1195 Cur
  • Corton 1544 SR

Etymology

Corton Manor is Corfton (e )1195 P, Curet freq to 1332SR , Corfeton 1195 Cur, Corton 1544SR . The name is identical in origin with Corton Denham (So), Corfetone 1086 DB, Corftona 1167 P. Behind Corton there is a small gap in the escarpment up which you make your way to the ground on the top. This is doubtless the word corf , 'cutting' or 'gap.' Hence 'farm by the gap.' Cf. Corfe (PN Do 116–7) and dich corf (BCS 867) in Idmiston.