Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Hellebec, Hellebe(c)k 12 BylE c.1170,1189–99 Lowth 1209,1210 Pipe 1211 P 1229,1230 Pat 1236 Fees 1352 Pat

• Helebec, Helebe(c)k 1235 FF c.1235 Clib 1256 Ass

• Ellebec(k), Ellebeke 1256 Ass7d 1315 Ipm

• Helbek(e), Helbeck(e) 1363 Ipm 1369 Cliff 1370 Hom 1382 Fine 1777 M

• Hellbeck 1671 Fleming 1702 PR(B)

• Hil(l)beck(e) 1700,1702 PR(B) 1823 M

Etymology

The name may well refer to the stream in the deep valley of Swindale, v. hellir 'cave', bekkr , ModE  dial. hell-beck 'stream issuing from a cave-like recess or dark ravine', cf. Hellgill (i, 62supra ). In 1577 Harrison 67 stated that Swindale Beck was 'called Helbecke bycause it commeth from the derne and elinge mountaines' (that is, from the hidden and remote mountains). The first el. was changed to Hill - as being less offensive.