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.

Witcha Fm

Early-attested site in the Parish of Ramsbury

Historical Forms

  • SarumD and C, Wycheheydowne t.Hy8 Rental
  • Wichehowe, Wychehey downe 1570 PembSurv
  • High Witchay 1587 Rental
  • Wycheheye 1332 SR

Etymology

Witcha Fm is la Wychheye 1331, Wychehey 1395 SarumD and C , Wycheheydowne t. Hy 8Rental , Wichehowe , Wychehey downe 1570 PembSurv, High Witchay 1587Rental , and was the home of Richard Wycheheye (1332SR ). The second element is (ge)hæg, 'hedge, enclosure,' etc. The first element may be OE  wice , 'wych-elm.'