Handcross
Early-attested site in the Parish of Slaugham
Historical Forms
- Handcross(e) 1617 SAC58,16 1703 SRS9,151
- Hancrosse 1629 SAC61,46
Etymology
Handcross is Handcross (e )1617 SAC 58, 16, 1703 SRS 9, 151, Hancrosse 1629 SAC 61, 46. This is probably the same as the cruce ' Alex ', i.e. Alexander's cross, which was on the via regia from Crawley in 1272 (RH). The actual names can hardly be connected. The present name probably has relation to the use of a cross here as a sign-post. Cf. Handy Cross, PN Bk 202, where we have reference to a 'one-handed cross,' i.e. probably with one arm.