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.