Borley Wood
Early-attested site in the Parish of Linton
Historical Forms
- Bor(e)ley(wode)feld(e), Borle(e), Borle(e)wey 1487 Pembroke
- Borle(e)wood 1562 ib
- Borleywoodway 1531 WMP
Etymology
Borley Wood is Bor (e )ley (wode )feld (e ), Borle (e ), Borle (e )wey 1487Pembroke , Borle (e )wood 1562 ib., Borleywoodway 1531WMP . Forms are late, but as this is on a hill, we may possibly compare Boreham (PN Herts 74–5) which Ekwall (Studies 132–3) explains as containing OE *bor in the sense 'eminence, elevation.' Hence 'wood or clearing on the hill,' v. lēah .