The modern spelling of 'Hainault' dates from about the end of the 19th century but the origin of the name is not known. The first written record in 1221 was spelt as 'Henehaut', which has since been followed by alternative spellings of ‘Hyneholt’, ‘Henholt’, ‘Inholt’, Henhault and Hainhault. The name possibly means 'High Wood' due to the area having some of the highest places in SW Essex.  ‘Holt’ is an Anglo-Saxon word meaning a wood.

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