Chitterley
Early-attested site in the Parish of Bickleigh
Historical Forms
- Chederlia 1086 DB(Exon)
- Chederlea 1187 P
- Chedderlegh c.1225 Buckland
- Chiderlie 1086 DB(Exch)
- Chiderlegh 1283 Ass
- Chud(d)erlegh c.1225 Buckland 1332 Cl 1333 SR 1408 Exon
Etymology
Blomé may be right in comparing Cheddar (So), Ceodre (BCS 553, 765, 1219) and Ceoddrum (acc.) (Vita Dunstani B., c. 13), Ceoddor (1068 Earle), but one can hardly suggest that this is a river-name, as Chitterley is on the Exe and it is extremely unlikely that Cheddar took its name from the tiny stream which flows into the Axe there, rather than from the cliffs and gorge.Professor Ekwall suggests that the word in both cases is an OE *cēodor , a derivative of OE cēod (e ), 'bag.' Chitterley lies in a well-marked hollow. Cf. more fully Ekwall, Studies 68 ff.