Cross Fell
Early-attested site in the Parish of Skirwith
Historical Forms
- Fendesfeld 1340 GDR
- Fendesfell 1479 Hexham
- Cross Fell 1608 FlemingMem 1721 PR(Garrigill)
Etymology
The first element in the original name of Cross Fell is OE fēond , fȳnd , ME fend , 'fiend.' The word rarely enters into local names, and there is no other example which is so well recorded. The origin of the name may well lie in the Helm Wind which comes down from Cross Fell. It is probable that the cross from which the modern name is derived was erected in order to give a Christian association to a mountain under the influence of evil powers. “It was formerly called Fiends -Fell , from evil spirits which are said in former times to have haunted the Top of this Mountain ” (Robinson 39). The second element is fiall .
A striking parallel is provided by Devil 's Peak near Capetown, which is a translation of Duivels Berg , called by the early Dutch settlers De Windberg , from the south-east wind that sweeps with fury round this part of the mountain; see C. G . Botha, Place Names in the Cape Province , p. 78 (Capetown 1927).