Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Heolthwaitis c.1280 Furness

• Shewltath 1564 PR(Crosth)

• Shulthet 1565 ib

• Sheweltwhait, Shoultwhait 1567 ib

• Shoulethwate 1578 Cocker

• Shelthot 1565 PR(Crosth)

• Shelthwat mosse 1602 Derwent

Etymology

The second element is þveit. The form from c. 1280 justifies the identification of the first element with ON  hjól , 'wheel.' The place is on the upper course of Naddle Beck, and the name may refer to a mill-wheel. The modern initial Sh - results from a sound-development similar to that which has produced Shap (We) from OE Hēap , Shipton (PN NRY 15–16, PN ERY 228) from OE  hēope and tūn , and Shetland from ON  Hjaltland .