Birch
Major Settlement in the Parish of Birch
Historical Forms
- Briciam, Parva Bricceiam 1086 DB
- Brike 1182 P
- Brich(e) Magna, Brich(e) Parua 1194,1195 P 1198,1243 Colch
- Bryche 1258 FF
- Moche Bryche 1425–52 ECP
- Breche 1199–1216 Abbr 1204 Cur
- Brige 12th Colne 1199–1216 Abbr 1204 Cur
- Brygge 1397 FF
- Brith(e) (sic) 1275 RH 1291 Tax
- Birithe (sic) ib.
- Berche Magna, Berche Parva 1594 N
- Great Burch, Little Burch 1608 EAx
Etymology
Possibly 'at the birch,' v. bierce . Cf. Birchwood and Burches infra , Birichhege , Brichhege (So)13th Buckland, and v. further Brick Mere (PN BedsHu 214), Brigstock (PN Nth 158) and Brickford infra 481.