Village road names have changed over the years. Below is a collection of the names as we come across them during research. If you have any to add please let us know.
Abrams or Abrahams Lane
The lane that runs from the corner of Broad Green down the hill to the Mill Causeway, Heydon Lane junction.
B1039
The charmingly named B1039 is the road that runs from Royston to Saffron Walden and passes Chrishall on the way. When I was a child it was always known as the Bottom Brook. In the 1592 survey it was called Brookeway. In the 1808 Enclosure Agreement it was Bushy Brook Road.
Bilden End / Building End
Said to perhaps have come from a Saxon overload Billa – hence Billa’s Den.
A name in the 1592 survey, Netherhowse Lane is possibly a name for the road leading to Bilden End.
Brick Row
Rather sweetly named as Pumpkin Row in the 1861 census.
Broad Green
Always known as Broad Green as far as I am aware. The only road not to have changed it’s name.
Chalky Lane
Chalky Lane is also referred to as White Lane (1851 census).
The single track road down from The Red Cow is called Hoggs Lane. It is thought this might come from ‘Hogsden’, a previous landlord of the Red Cow.
Church Road
Lower Church Road is known as Bury Lane, another very old village road, sunk down between its banks with age. It is named from Chrishall Bury, a medieval manor on the right of this road.
In the 1851 survey Church Road is Church Street. In fact I think it was Church Street until the 1960s.
Crawley End
The top of Crawley End heading towards Mill Causeway is known as Petts Corner.
The top of Crawley End on the right as you are heading out of the village was also known as Gilseys. (See the field names).
Known as Crowley End in the 1851 census, and the home of Crowley / Crawley / Craele manor in medieval times.
High Street
Lower High Street is known as Hollow Road, well named as the road is sunk between high grass banks that recede as you get to Chalky Lane and then up into High Street itself.
Also known as Parsonage Road (1851 census).
Mill Causeway
Mill Causeway did have a windmill at one time – hence it’s name – but was often known locally as ‘The Castey’ and it is relatively recently that the road was continued down the hill to meet Abram’s Lane at the corner.
Palmer’s Lane
Palmer’s Lane previously known as Heydon Lane.
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