Nockholt. However within the last fifty years, or thereabouts, the roads in the neighbourhood spoken of have been so much altered, that the name of Scot's Crouch at least is probably lost.—"The parish of Nockholt is within the manor of Great Orpington, to which this is an appendage." The name is derived "from the old English words noke, a corner, and holt, a wood; a derivation which aptly expresses the situation of this place at the noke or corner of a wood." (Afterwards:) "Shelley's is another small manor here, which was antiently called the manor of Schottis, alias Ockholt; which last name it had from its situation among the oaken woods. (Note:) Ac in Saxon signifies an oak, and holt a wood, the a in ac being frequently changed into o."—Thomas Shelle possessed this manor in the reign of K. Edward I, writing himself De Schottis alias Ockholt. (Hasted's Kent, I, 126, 128, fol.) The first curate of Nockholt recorded by Hasted is Will. Galle, 1550. It is evident that Hasted was unacquainted with the Reigate MS., but, notwithstanding the discrepancy between his two derivations of the name, the account he gives is not altogether devoid of interest. His information respecting the appellation "Scot's alias Ockholt" was obtained from an independent source, and therefore may be regarded as confirming Birchington's statement as to the origin of that title. While Hasted's assertion, for which he must have had authority, that Thomas Shelle possessed part of Nockholt temp. K. Edward I, shows that Ralph Scot or his descendants must have alienated at least a portion of their property there not very long after the consecration of the chapel, as narrated above, 9 of K. Edward I.
236. Nonington.—Anciently a chapelry to Wingham, from which it was severed A.D. 1282. (Kilburne.) "Capella de Nonyngton cum capella de Wymelingewelde eidem annexa." (A.D. 1291.) The church comprises nave and north aisle, with chancels to both, and tower at the west end of the aisle. Parts of the walls are late Norm., but the greater portion of the building is E.E., retaining some original windows, with a square-headed Dec., and others Perp. inserted. At the east end of the chancel are three lancet windows, the sill of the middle one being considerably higher than those of the others. The south door of the nave is good E.E., with a miserable porch. The tower and aisle equal the length of the nave, including the chancels of both.—On a stone are the figures of John Hamon and two wives, 1526. Brass: wife of Era. Wilford, 1581. (Hasted.)
237. Northfleet.—The church of Northfleet is named in a
