English Place-name Society

Survey of English Place-Names

A county-by-county guide to the linguistic origins of England’s place-names – a project of the English Place-Name Society, founded 1923.

Harley Down, Harley Gap, Harley Lane & Harley Wd, Burtt's Harley

Early-attested site in the Parish of Gussage All Saints

Historical Forms

  • Hardelyedun' 1281 Queens
  • Hardeleydune 1281 Queens 1349 Queens
  • Harendeledone (sic) 1294 Queens
  • Harley Bushes, Down & Harley Bushes Wd 1841 TA

Etymology

Harley Down (SU 006133), Harley Gap, Harley Lane & Harley Wd, Burtt's Harley, Hardelyedun '1281Queens , Hardeleydune 1281Queens , 1349Queens , Harendeledone (sic)1294Queens , Harley Bushes , Down & Harley Bushes Wd 1841TA , '(hill or down at) the hard clearing', from heard (probably with reference to hard soil), lēah , dūn , cf. Hardley Ha (DEPN), Wt 37. Burtt is a surname, cf. Henry Birt 1664 HTax.