Halesowen is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being larger than Birmingham. The manor and town was known as "Hala" (from the Anglo-Saxon word ""halh"", meaning nook or remote valley), until it was gifted by King Henry II to Welsh Prince David Owen and became known as "Halas Owen". The parish of Halesowen, which incorporated other townships later to become independent parishes, was an exclave of the county of Shropshire, but grew to become a town and was transferred to the jurisdiction of Worcestershire by the Counties (Detached Parts) Act 1844. Included in the boundaries was the ancient village of Brettle.