Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Herlei 1086 DB

• Herleia 1130 P c.1135–40 Hurley

• Hurleya, Hurleia 1086 GilbertCrispin

• Hurlega feodi comitis Willelmi, Hurlea Prioris 1167 P

• Hurnleia 1106–21 Hurley

• Hurnly 1218–19 FF

• Hurnley 1241 Ass

• Hurnle 1242–3 Fees 1248 FF Hy3 Hurley

• Hurnl' 1248 Cl

• Hurnlye Ed2 Hurley

• Hernleia 13th Gerv

Etymology

'Wood or clearing in a recess in the hills', v. hyrne , lē(a)h. There is a curve in the high ground south of the village, which is probably the feature referred to in the first el. The same name occurs Wa 18.The Priory was a cell of St Peter's, Westminster.