Barley
Major Settlement in the Parish of Barley
Historical Forms
- Beranlei c.1050 KCD920 13th
- Berenleia 11th Gesta 14th
- Beoronleam c.1050 StAlbansN
- Berlai 1086 DB
- Berleya t.Ric1 Ch 1253 Ct 1524
- Burleye 1303 FA 1435 BM
- Burnleye 1303 FA
- Bereley 1524 Ct
- Birley 1653 Sess
- Barley 1542 ib
Etymology
We are in a part of the county abounding with the relics of ancient burials and it may perhaps be suggested that the first element is OE byrgen , 'burial-place,' which in Hertfordshire would give early forms beren , buren . It is clear from the forms Beran -, Beoron - that the significance of this ancient word was soon lost sight of. For its appearance elsewhere in place-names cf. Kinsbourne supra 38 and PN Bk 165, s. n. Burn Hill. Hence 'leah or clearing marked by the presence of a (heathen) burial- place.'