 The nearby river was called Halywell (Middle English for 'Holy Well') in the medieval era, and the road up to Holmhurst Hill on which the Abbey now stands is now called Holywell Hill but has been called Halliwell Street and other variations at least since the 13th century.The remains of a well structure have been found at the bottom of Holywell Hill.However, this well is thought to date from no earlier than the 19th century.