[5] The origin of the name is not certain, and some 25 variations are found in the historical record, the present one being largely fixed in the 18th century.

Spring water emerges in a ditch near to the north entrance to Spencer House, a property on Holywell Lane.

According to Leeds City Council's Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan, it is reputed to have been visited by Bede, and used for the baptism of early Christians.

[9] The village pub "The Red Lion" is located between two wells which were originally used to gather water for the brewing process.

[5] In the early part of the 19th century it was still a village with fewer than 200 inhabitants, containing 11 farms, 2 inns and a Methodist chapel but no school or church.

However, from the middle of the century buildings began to appear as wealthier people moved out of industrial Leeds, made with stone from the local quarries.

[22] In addition Shadwell Grange is a large house and farm in Slaid Hill, with a view over the Moortown Ring Road.