Headless Cross
Early-attested site in the Parish of Tardebigge
Historical Forms
- Hedley 1275 SR 1294 Ipm 1327 SR
- Smethehedley 1300 Pat
- Hedley Cross 1464 Pat
- Hedles Crosse 1549 Pat
- Headleys Cross 1789 CanalMap 1820 G
Etymology
'Heath-clearing,' v. hæð , leah . From Hedley developed Hedley's Cross, and this was later corrupted as above, cf. Duignan PN Wo 80. Smethe = 'smooth, level.'