Bosley Heath
Bosley Heath, Hurncounty:
coords:
Dorset
SZ1494
otherwise: Borstel, 1100-1135; Borstele, 1152
BOSLEY HEATH and farm in Hurn
Gover suggests Old English 'burgsteall'='steep path up an escarpment' (especially common in Sussex). But since there is no significant scarp here, the 'burh' referred to may be Christchurch Castle or to the 'borough' itself, for they are nearby. Possibly therefore 'path to the castle/town'. The later medieval forms may suggest 'Burgsteall leah'='clearing at 'Burgsteall''. In Domesday Book we find 'Bortel' and this has been identified with Bosley. The present spelling is modern.
