Covehurst Bay
Early-attested site in the Parish of Fairlight
Historical Forms
- Coueherst t.Ed2 IpmR 1320 Misc
- Couehurst 1339 Misc
Etymology
Covehurst Bay is Coueherst t. Ed 2 IpmR, 1320 Misc, Couehurst 1339 Misc. This is perhaps a compound of cofa and hyrst , hence, 'wood in the cove (or bay).' Mr Ray points out that here there is a sort of undercliff which is wooded and called Covehurst Wood. In the 18th cent. it was a famous resort for smugglers and was called 'the Govers.'