The place name does not appear to have been used before the early 18th century when it started appearing on maps; it is possible that the idea was taken from Portland Bill, another headland, on the western side of the Solent.
The place name does not appear to have been used before the early 18th century when it started appearing on maps; for example Philip Overton's 1740 map of Sussex in 1740 and Richard Budgen's map of 1724. It is possible that the idea was taken from Portland Bill, another headland, on the western side of the Solent.