Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Sachalcros 1101–8 RegLich a.1108 Dugd

• Sakelcros(s) 1251 DbAv 1272 LichChart 1319 For

• Seckelcros Hy3 For

• S(c)hakelcros(s), Schakilcros(s) 1235 Ch Hy3,1285 For 1339 DbAxi

• Scakelcros, Skakelcros Hy3 For Hy3 DbAxxviii 1279 LichChart

• Schauilcros 1294 Ipm

• Schal(e)cros(s), Shal(e)cros(s), Schal(e)kros, Shal(e)kros 1294 DbAxxviii 1328 SR

• Shallcrosse 1586 Lanc

• Shawcross(e) 1577 Saxton 1610 Speed late18th

Etymology

'Cross to which a shackle or fetter was attached', v. sceacol , cros .Williamson (Notes) suggests that this was some sort of pillory; perhaps it was rather a wayside cross to which pilgrims could be fettered as a form of penance. Forms of Sk - etc. indicate Scand  influence; for Shaw - v. supra lii. A further example Shacklecross infra 489 has been noted, but for which only late forms are available.