Lee was recorded as ‘Lea’ in the Domesday Book of 1086.  This is probably before the Chapel had been constructed.  The name comes from the Anglo-Saxon ‘Leam’ which means ‘woodland clearing’. 

 

The parish of Lee was made up of two hamlets: East Lee and West Lee.  Both had a chapel.  East Lee’s chapel stood near The Knares and West Lee’s was thought to be near Westley Hall.

 

In 1254 the area was recorded as ‘Leye Chapel’. 

 

West Lee became part of Langdon Hills during the 15th Century having been owned by Edward The Confessor’s Queen.