Obs. [f. Ellen = Helena + MASS; cf. Christmas, Martinmas, etc.] St. Helena’s day; but the date intended is uncertain.
Two saints of the name were commemorated in England: ‘St. Helen the virgin,’ perhaps the one whose day is May 22; and Helena the mother of Constantine. The latter is probably intended here; her festival is Aug. 18, but the Sarum Martyrology assigns ‘Saynt Elene’ to May 18, the date of her translation.
1597. Vestry Bks. (Surtees), 41. About St Ellenmas Mr Deane keepinge Court here att Pittington.
1621. in Naworth Househ. Bks. (Surtees), 141. [A payment made June 8] due at the last St. Ellenmas Court, 1621.
