A LOCAL HISTORIAN LOOKS AT HARTLIP — No. 1.

A name gives identity to a place and our village has an unusual one. It probably has its origin in Anglo-Saxon times Hart-Hlep meaning the leaping place of hart (i.e. deer). In 1100 it was written Heordlyp and has been variously written Herclepe, Hertelepe. In Edward II's time the name Hertlepes Hill is recorded, known now to all motorists on A2.

Within the parish boundaries other historic names can be found enshrined in the names of fields, farms, houses and lanes. Broadfield in 1218 appears to be the oldest and is now found as Bradfield. A place called Dane House is referred to in 1278. Dane is derived from Denu an Anglo-Saxon word meaning a valley and this root is also found in a field called Danesfield.

Grainy farm takes its name from Thomas de Grainene, either a local landowner or resident. Another farm-name of interest is Yaugher Farm, again based on a personal name, that of de Eldegar of 1334. Ten years later in 1343 we have reference to the same name again in the personal name of John Met de Eldegare. This latter name is also interesting as it contains the Saxon word gara, referring to a triangular piece of land, usually the corner of a field untouched by a plough. It is a common root and occurs in Gore Court, Sittingbourne. Matts Hill derives its name from the second part of the personal name just mentioned, John Met de Ealdegare.

Popes Hall, one of the oldest houses in the village, takes its name from a family of that name; Richard Pope is recorded having lived there in 1464.

One name which has ceased to be used and apparently is now forgotten is that of Crux Hill. This loss is unusual as old names survive in villages and the countryside more so than in towns where building and population movements cause traditional names to be lost. Crux Hill is probably derived from a memorial name recorded in 1327 as Hill de Croux. As Crux Hill it was still in use in 1783 when Hasted wrote his History of Kent. The place is apparently found in what is now called Yaugher Lane.

R.A.B.

(The above is the first of nine articles specially written for our magazine by Mr. R. A. Baldwin of Gillingham. - Editor.)

PLEASE NOTE that on Sunday, 11th July, there will be some special music at Mattins, given by a Quartet consisting of Jocelyn Maclaren (soprano), Malcolm Maclaren (counter-tenor), Richard Carleton (tenor) and Antony Bussell (bass). Included will be a setting for the Te Deum and an anthem by Thomas Weelkes (1575-1623).