The Grist is almost certainly named after the Grist Mill, which is now the "Select Convenience" store. We know that there was a mill here in 1592 and probably earlier. Some have suggested that the name comes from "Ghrist" and is derived from a monastery which was sited near here. There is no evidence, either written or archaeological, to support this theory. The cross on the Grist dates from 1911 but the base, as seen here, is very much older, maybe "ancient".
It is traditional for participants of the Common walk to circle the cross three times.
The buildings on the left in the photo are much the same today, whereas the two cottages on the right were demolished and replaced by brick buildings in the 1950s.