Radlett
Early-attested site in the Parish of Aldenham
Historical Forms
- Radelett 1453 FF
- Radewelleheved 1235 FF
Etymology
Radlett is Radelett 1453FF . The Radewelleheved of 1235 (FF ) is held by the VCH (ii, 149) to refer to Radlett, but there seems to be no actual evidence to prove this, and though the 13th century place-name might possibly become the present Radlett, yet it may well be that it refers to Radwell in the north of the county (v. infra 160), for which we undoubtedly have forms compounded with heafod . In the absence of any really early form, the etymology of the name is uncertain. It may, as suggested by Skeat (39), go back to an OE rād -gelǣte , 'junction of roads'; cf. the OE weggelǣte , of similar meaning, found in Dunton Wayletts (PN Ess 155). Radlett is on Watling Street, at old cross-roads.