Re: origin of wheeldon
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In reply to:
origin of wheeldon
5/13/01
The origin of Wheeldon and its variants Wheldon, Wheildon, Whieldon, Wheldon, Whildon and Wildon, etc is a matter of debate.One book claims that the name derives from Whieldon Lane in Amersham or Wheeldon in North Huish, Devon.Both of these seem unlikely, as although there is a slightly higher than average occurrence of Wheeldons in Devon, there are few of any kind in Buckinghamshire.Unless the entire concentration of early Wheeldons moved away from Buckinghamshire before the 16th C, it would seem unlikely that Wheeldons originated here.Some maintain that the origin of the name is Wheelton, but the evidence I have found in Staffordshire show that every Wheelton recorded there is in fact a mispelling of Wheeldon. Some Name Dictionaries mention the high frequency of Wheeldon in Derbyshire and Wheeldon and Whieldon in Staffordshire and occasionally mention the possible derivation from the area around High Wheeldon Hill in the Peak District.This hill is situated south-west of the village of Earl Sterndale on the border between Staffordshire and Derbyshire.Considering the extremely high concentration of Wheeldons, Whieldons and Wheildons in this area, (the highest in the UK in modern times as well as the past) I personally think that this is the most likely origin of the name of most people who bear it.Wheeldon Hill probably comes from Old English 'hweol' meaning a wheel (probably referring to the shape) and Celtic 'dun' - a hill.
More Replies:
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Re: origin of wheeldon
Steve Wheeldon 6/03/01
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Re: origin of wheeldon
9/13/01
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Re: origin of wheeldon