As with most place names there is a ‘correct’ pronunciation amongst local people and Herstmonceux is no exception.
Herst is the Saxon name for a wooded hill, and the manor is mentioned in the Domesday Book as being part of the land belonging to the Count of Eu.
In 1131 the Count’s grandson transferred the manor to Drogo de Monceux, (great grandson of William the Conqueror) who married Idonea de Monceux. Their son was known as Walleran de Herst Monceux.
To answer the question ‘How do you pronounce Herstmonceux?’
- Herst as in ‘first’
- Mon as in ‘monsoon’
- Ceux as in ‘zoo’