Cray's Hill
Early-attested site in the Parish of Ramsden Crays
Historical Forms
- Winthelle 1086 DB
- (la) Windhull, Windhill 1200–3 FF
- Wynhull 1272 Ass
- Wyntershell by Billirica 1375 Cl
- Windehull 16th Ct
Etymology
Cray's Hill is possibly to be identified with Winthelle 1086 DB, (la ) Windhull , Windhill 1200–3 FF, Wynhull 1272Ass (p), Wyntershell by Billirica 1375 Cl, Windehull 16thCt . This was the home of Robert atte Wyndhulle of Ramsden Crays in 1332 (SR ).Probably 'wind-hill.' Cf. le Wyndhel in Asheldham (1322 AD vi), Windhill (PN SWY 302), Winthill (PN Wo 27) and Windhill and Windinghill (PN K 123, 297). For the t cf. Waltham supra 27. If the editor's identification of Wyntershell is correct, this is a different name, 'Winter 's hill,' but it may refer to another hill nearer Billericay.