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.

Shenley

Major Settlement in the Parish of Shenley

Historical Forms

  • Scenlai, Scenlei, Senlai 1086 DB
  • Scenleam 12th Gesta
  • Senesle earlyHy3 BM
  • Chenle 13th Misc
  • Sanle 1235 ADiii
  • Shendley 1307 SR
  • Shynley 1501 ECP

Etymology

'Fair or bright clearing or wood,' v. sciene , leah . Cf. Shenfield (PN Ess 169).