[4] But being first recorded in the Domesday Book as Cantelop, and in an area highly coveted by Norman knights, it is very possible that the name comes from the Old French chante lou, lit.

This would be supported by the frequent occurrence the toponym in France today as well as its various alternative spellings, Chanteloup, Canteloup, Chantelouve, Canteleu and Canteleux.

Today it no longer takes road traffic, as a modern bridge exists adjacent to it, but is open to pedestrians.

The bridge carried the 1797 turnpike road from Shrewsbury to Acton Burnell, which continued through Cantlop itself.

This is also shown on the Ordnance Survey's mapping of the ceremonial counties, where the name of Shropshire is centred immediately to the southwest of Cantlop Cross.