Hylters
Early-attested site in the Parish of West Dean
Historical Forms
- la Hulstre 1310 Perc
- Hulstre 1471 Ct
- Hilster 1535 VE
- land called Hulsters at Bowehill 1540 MinAcct
- Hulters 1584 SAC38,147
- Hulters al. Hilters 1676–7 SRS19,234
Etymology
This is probably OE heolstor , 'hiding-place,' still used in the forms holster , hulster (D, So, Co) in that sense, v. hulster (NED). If so we must assume a late and curious metathesis, or loss of s by dissimilation. Hylters lies on the side of a well- marked valley.