Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• apud Crucem Rhosiæ t.Ric1 Dugd

• Crucem Roesie 1226 Pat

• Cruceroheys 1252 ADiv

• (Prior de) Cruce Roes 1199 FF

• Rohesie 1229 Cl

• (de) Cruce Roheis 1200 Cur

• (de) Cruce Roys 1230 FF

• Roesie 1235 Fees

• Roesia 1313 Pat

• (apud) Crucem Roys 1248 Ass

• Cruceroyes 1268 Pat

• (prison of) Cruce Roẽs 1308 Cl

• (prior of) la Croiz Roes 1310 ib

• Villa de Cruce Roeys 1271 FF

• Roys 1282 ib

• Crucis Roesiae 1296 ib

• Roiston 1286 Misc 1327 Banco 1342 Pat 1345 FF

• Cruceroys al. Royston 1440 ADiii

• Rayston 1620 Sess

• Crux Roysia 1304–7 Ipm

• Roys 1307 SR

Etymology

Royston is not an old settlement, but grew up in the 12th century at the important spot where Icknield Way and Ermine Street cross one another. The priory was founded in the reign of Henry II and the town probably grew up soon after, since a market existed here as early as the time of Richard i (Dugd vi, 405). It is clear that the original name was 'cross of Rohesia,' a feminine name of continental origin, from OGer Hrodohaidis (Forssner 220) (Skeat PN C 14), but who the lady was it is impossible to say. The VCH (iii, 253) suggests as a possibility Rose, wife of Eudo Dapifer, but the early spellings of the personal name are against this. The cross probably stood at the cross-roads mentioned above, known as 'The Cross.' The base of the cross (with socket) is still preserved.

The site came to be known simply as Roeys , Royes , and then in the 13th century, when the town had developed, it came to be known as Roys-ton , a curiously late ton - formation.