the name brightholmlee originates from the old english language, "“bright”" is probably a modern derivation of an anglo saxon personal name, such as brihtric or beorhtweald, "“holm”" indicates land surrounded partly by streams, while "“lee”" means woodland glade. the earliest recorded reference to the hamlet were documented in 1309 and 1314 when ralph de brightomlee witnessed deeds at westmondhalgh and wigtwizzle. ralph died in 1335 and his son john inherited lands in westmondhalgh and onesacre, after 1345 nothing more is heard of this family. other documents indicate that brightholmlee originated at the beginning of the 13th century.