St Catherines Hill
Early-attested site in the Parish of Artington
Historical Forms
- Drakehull 1318 Ch
- Drakhulle otherwise cauled Katheryn hill 1521 HMCvii
- Katheryn hill 1548 LRMB
Etymology
St Catherines Hill (6″) was called Drakehull 1318 Ch, Drakhulle otherwise cauled Katheryn hill 1521 HMC vii, Katheryn hill 1548LRMB , taking its present name from a chapel dedicated to St Catherine and referred to as capella S ' Katerine 1202, capelle Sancte Caterine 1230 P. The earlier name appears to mean 'dragon hill,' the first element being OE draca , 'dragon.'There is a steep sand-hill here by the Wey. On the summit are the ruins of the ancient chapel. Cf. Dragberry Field in Merstham infra 396, a similar compound with beorg , and Drakelow (PN Wo 258).