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.

Galley Wood

Early-attested site in the Parish of Cranleigh

Historical Forms

  • Westgavelwode 1298 AddCh
  • Galewode c.1500 Ct
  • Galewood 16th Rental

Etymology

Galley Wood (6″) is Westgavelwode 1298AddCh , Galewode c. 1500Ct , Galewood 16thRental . The first element is the OE  gafol , 'tax, tribute,' and the name must have reference to a wood leased or let for rent or, for the feedings in which, rent was paid.Cf. Gawlish (PN D 74), Galton (PN Do 143) and Gavellwood 1446Ct (Chertsey).