Whyly
Early-attested site in the Parish of East Hoathly
Historical Forms
- Willee 1246 Ch
- Wylegh 1296 SR 1401 BM
- Wylye, Wylee 1451 Pens
- Whiligh 1823 G
Etymology
Whyly [wai′lai] is Willee 1246 Ch, Wylegh 1296 SR (p)et freq to 1401 BM, with variant form Wilye , Wylye , Wylee 1451 Pens, Whiligh 1823 G. This is probably another example of the compound of OE wīg , wēoh and leah found in Whiligh infra 454, Willey (Sr) (cf. PN Bk 85), Weeley (Ess), and Weoley (PN Wo 350), hence, 'clearing where heathen rites were practised' or where there was a heathen temple.