Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Bradelei(a), Bradelie, Bradelai, Bradeley, Bradelay 1086 DB c.1160–1220 YCh1762–4 1202 Font 1245 FF 1269 Nost43d 1274 BM 1343 WCR

• le Bradeleys 13 WB2

• Braddele(ia) 13 Font 1299 Nost183

• Bradley, Bradlay 1330 Font 1442 WillY 1472 Testiii 1589 FF

• Nether Bradlay 1557 WB51 1566 Arm

Etymology

Bradley, Bradelei (a ), Bradelie , Bradelai , Bradeley , Bradelay 1086 DB, c. 1160–1220 YCh 1762–4 (Font), 1202 FF, 1245Nost 43d, 1269 BM, 1274 WCRet freq to 1343 Arm, le Bradeleys 13WB 2, Braddele (ia )13 Font, 1299Nost 183, Bradley , Bradlay 1330 Font, 1442 WillY, 1472 Test iiiet freq to 1589 FF, Nether Bradlay 1557WB 51, 1566 Arm. 'Broad forest-glade or clearing', v. brād , lēah . 'Nether' to distinguish it from Bradley Mills 224supra , which is further up the Colne valley on its other bank.