Cruwys Morchard
Major Settlement in the Parish of Cruwys Morchard
Historical Forms
- Morc(h)et, Morceth 1086 DB
- Morceth 1242 Fees758,793
- Cru(w)ys Morchard 1257–80 Exon
- Cruwesmorchard 1301 Ipm
- Crewsmarchard t.Jas1 ECP
- Morcherde 1261 Exon
- Morcestr(e) Crues 1279 QW 1284 Exon 1291 Tax
Etymology
This is a Celtic name, as first explained by Johnston, PN England and Wales s. n. , the elements corresponding to W mawr , (*mor ), 'great, big,' and coed , (*cet ), 'wood.' Cf. also Morchard Bishop infra 408. The form was later affected by the common orceard . It is doubtful if the same wood can be referred to in the two names, the places being about 10 miles apart. Alexander de Crues held the manor in 1242.