Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Hang(e)bridge 1647 Bridges9 1649 Kendiii,25 1823 M

Etymology

Hang Bridge (Hang (e )bridge 1647Bridges 9, 1649 Kend iii, 25et freq to 1823 M, a 17th-century bridge across the Beela, described in RCHM 40) & Hang Hill (1770 Bthm). The meaning is not clear; the first el. could be the verbal stem hang 'hanging', referring to the construction of the bridge; but the hill could be 'a hill with a gallows' and the bridge one leading to it; in 1770 Bthm 127 it was said 'that on Hang Hill the Lord of the Manor used to execute felons', which gave to both places their names. A parallel may be found in Hanging Bridge in Manchester which carries Hanging Passage to the south entrance of the Cathedral (Jervoise 141). Cf. also OE on lic hangan 948 BCS 866, which possibly denotes a gallows.