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.

Yiewsley

Early-attested site in the Parish of Hillingdon

Historical Forms

  • Wiuesleg' 1235 Ass
  • Wyvesle 1406 Cl
  • Wynesle 1281 Abbr
  • Wyneslee 1383 FF
  • Wynesley 1504,1506 FF
  • Wewesley 1593 N 1636 Redford 1675 Ogilby
  • Yewsley 1819 G

Etymology

In view of the modern form it seems likely that the n in some of the earlier forms should be read as u (v ). The first element may be a personal name, the strong form of Wifa , found in Wivenhoe (PN Ess 403). Hence 'Wife 's wood or clearing,' v. leah . The later phonological development is difficult of explanation.