Survey of English Place-Names

Etymology

Three Bridges is a modern settlement dating from the opening of the Brighton railway. In 1534 (LP) there is a reference to 'two bridges called the Three bridges leading from Charlewood to Crawley,' in 1598 (Rowe) we hear of 'three bridges between Worth and Crawley,' and in 1613 we hear of 'the bridge called Le three bridges ' (SAC 58, 10). The interpretation of the name is obscure. If the first-mentioned 'three bridges' was actually between Charlwood (Sr) and Crawley it cannot be the present Three Bridges, which is east of Crawley. Possibly it only means 'on the road which goes from Charlwood through Crawley.' Near the present Three Bridges the road goes over two small streams.