Basmead Manor
Early-attested site in the Parish of Eaton Socon
Historical Forms
- Bassemeye 1271 Coroner
- Basmey(e) 1328,1386 Cl
Etymology
This manor is reputed to take its name from the family of Baa or Bathonia , i.e. Bath, who held land in this parish as early as the reign of John (VCH iii. 192). The early forms are inconsistent with this and suggest that the first element is the OE pers. name Bassa . What the second is cannot be determined. The present mead -suffix seems to be due to the influence of the neighbouring Bushmead .