[This Query seems to have baffled old Stowe. He says, "Towards
the west end of Knight Rider Street is the parish church of St.
Nicolas Cold Abby, a comely church, somewhat ancient, as
appeareth by the ways raised thereabout; so that men are forced
to descend into the body of the church. It hath been called of
many _Golden Abby_, of some _Gold_ (or _Cold_) _Bey_, and so
hath the most ancient writing. But I could never learn the cause
why it should be so called, and therefore I will let it pass.
Perhaps as standing in a _cold_ place, as _Cold Harbour_, and
such like." For communications on the much-disputed etymology of
COLD HARBOUR, see "N. & Q.," Vol. i., p. 60.; Vol. ii., pp. 159.
340.; and Vol. vi., p. 455.]
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