Sheerhatch Wood
Early-attested site in the Parish of Willington
Historical Forms
- Shirhacche 1369 Orig
- Shirehache 1407 IpmR
- Shire Hatch Wood 1826 B
Etymology
The 'hatch' (v. hæcc ) was probably a gate into the wood. The first element is presumably the OE pers. name Scīra , though it is just possible that it may be the adj. scir used to describe a brightly-coloured gate. The modem form is clearly corrupt.