Staines was originally Stana and first recorded as such in 969 AD It is singular not plural ie Stone not Stones. Saxon of course and similar to Stansted (stone place or homestead) and Stane Street (the stone street) the Roman road near Stansted. Also Stanway near Colchester etc. Ekwall suggests that the Staine of Staines could have referred to the milestone on the Roman road that runs by Staines However, despite Ekwall - the nine stones seems a reasonable alternative origin. The number nine is "nigon" in Anglo-Saxon, but pronounced neeyon almost like "neon". The neon lights of ancient Staines!!
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