Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Bichill(e), Bychill(e) 1231 Ebor 1371 Rip

• Bechill 1233 Ebor

• Bic(c)hehill 1241 RegAlbii,85 1242 Ch 1317 Pat

• Bichhill c.1291 Tax 1428 FA

• Bichell 1409 Rip

• Bitchell 1458 Richm

Etymology

Beech Hill, Bichill (e ), Bychill (e )1231 Ebor, 1371 Rip, Bechill 1233 Ebor, Bic (c )hehill 1241RegAlb ii, 85, 1242 Ch, 1317 Pat, Bichhill c. 1291 Tax, 1428 FA, Bichell 1409 Rip, Bitchell 1458 Richm. The references are to the Prebend of Bichehill cum Knaresburgh , Bichehill in Knaresburgh , and the identification was suggested by A. H. Thompson in YAJ xxv, 191 note, but when or how the prebendary obtained land there is unknown; the church of Knaresborough was added to it in 1230 (Ebor 51). 'Hill frequented by bitches or where they were kept', v. bicce , hyll , cf. Bitch Hill ii, 166supra .