Survey of English Place-Names

Etymology

, cf. Hellgate 1563Anc , Helgate 1586Holywell , 1595FSurv , Hellgates 1586, 1663Holywell , Helgates 1595FMap , 1595FSurv , cf. hell gates close 1725Foster and littel Hellecroft 1412LMR , Hellecroft 1438Anc , Helcroft 1425, 1510LMR , pastur ' voc ' Hellecrofte 1437Anc . This is probably derived from gata ' a road ' , later ' a right of pasturage, pasturage ' and the surn . Hell noted a number of times in the parish , cf. Roger Helle 1334Anc . The continuation of the road in Marsh Chapel is called Ellgate Lane infra , north of which are the f. ns . le gret hell , lyttell Hell , etc . ( quoted under Ellgate Lane ) and this may affect the more obvious etymology suggested above . Helgates is shown on FMap as a field on the boundary between Fulstow and Marsh Chapel , midway between Heelgate Fm and New Dike .