---- Keith Briggs <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> The earliest recorded spelling W(o)lfheye 1251 (PN BdHu 228), suggests 'wolf-enclosure' (<hæg) rather than 'island'. The Time Team program last Sunday found several enclosures of uncertain date and function, but made no use of the place-name evidence.
> Did wolves live in the fens? If so, until when? Were wolves trapped in enclosures? (Cf. the several places called Woolpit.)
It seems no consideration was given to a pre-English explanation of the first element.
A few years ago ueluo-/uoluo- was discussed here. There are other potential sources of wolf, Ptolemy's Ouoliba and wlib (with diaresis over the i) 'wet'.
Nearby there is a Wilobe Fm at TL3378. Are there any early forms available?
--
Tom Ikins
The Roman Map of Britain
http://www.romanmap.com
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