Besley
Early-attested site in the Parish of Chatsworth
Historical Forms
- Besseley, Besselegh 1296,c.1300,1351 HardCh
- Beslegh 1355 ib
- Bestley yate 1550 ib
- Besley Yate 1721 Clarionxxv
Etymology
Besley (lost), Besseley , Besselegh 1296, c. 1300, 1351HardCh , Beslegh 1355 ib, Bestley yate 1550 ib, Besley Yate 1721 Clarion xxv, cf. Besseleyeker c. 1240BelCh , late 13thHardCh (v. kjarr ). Perhaps 'Bessi's clearing', v. lēah ; for OScand pers.n. Bessi cf. Bessingby and Beswick (PN ERY 100 and 159).