Acomb/Acham

[fruitlady]

I have ancestors (Bywell St Peter) who in late 1600s and early 1700s are recorded at Accomb which I assume is Acomb today, but from 1709-1717 are recorded at Acham.  Beginning in 1730s onward they are back in Accomb.  I cannot find any information on Acham.  Does anyone know if this is another name for Acomb or any other information about Acham?
Sue

[davidft]

I think its just an earlier spelling variation of Acomb. If you look at the maps on

http://communities.northumberland.gov.uk/Acomb_C15.htm

on the 1610 map it looks like Acam, and on the 1769 map it has become Aycomb and then by the 1820 map it is Acomb

[fruitlady]

Thank you for the link.  Your link is actually to the Acomb near Hexham sometimes called West Acomb to differentiate from Bywell Acomb near Bearl.  I did find it on the 1820 map for Ovingham by which time it is "Acomb" so will just have to assume it went through the same spelling changes as the other.
Sue