Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Bedewordine 1235 FF

• Bedewrthin, Bedeworthin 1255 Ass 1275 SR 1317 Ipm

• Bedewurthyn 1323 LibAlb 1337 WoCh

• Bed(e)wardyn 1327 SR 1379 FF 1392 Pat 1501 BM

• Bradewurthin (1255 Ass)

• Bradewardyn (1322 Cl (p))

Etymology

'Bēda 's enclosure,' v. worðign . There are forms Bradewurthin (1255Ass ) and Bradewardyn (1322 Cl (p)) which apparently refer to this place and may have been influenced by the neighbouring Broadheath . The etymology of Bedwardine has been the subject of interesting speculations. Habington (ii. 129) says, 'so called it may be from Bedds or lodgings in a Warde, as Bedford from Inns and Bedds at the ford, or of the Ward or Warden of Beades and devotion.' Nash (ii. 308) says, 'so called because it was allotted to supply the table of the monks with bread and provisions.' With reference to this last speculation it may be well, in view of its speciousness, to say (i) that the manor of Wick was the Biahop's and not the Prior and Convent's, (ii) that the refectory of the latter drew its revenue, not from bedwardine but from Barbourne, Hillhampton, Twining, Powick and Tibberton.