English Place-name Society

Survey of English Place-Names

A county-by-county guide to the linguistic origins of England’s place-names – a project of the English Place-Name Society, founded 1923.

Eelpie Bridge olim Merriall Bridge

Early-attested site in the Parish of West Drayton

Historical Forms

  • Merieldebrig 1216 PatR
  • Mirieldbrigg 1328 Pat
  • ponte Miriild 1225 BorRec
  • Mirelbryg, ponte Murihill 13th Blyth
  • Mirielbrigge 1316,1360 BorRec
  • Murielbrigges 1319 Ass
  • Mirehilbridge 1676 Thoroton
  • pontem de Merrell' 1485 BorRec
  • Merryall Bridge 1627 CoRec
  • Merriall 1630 ib
  • Eel Pye House 1775 C

Etymology

'Bridge by the pleasant slope,' v. myrig , hielde . For another compound of a similar kind cf. Roothill (PN Sr 284). Its later name derives from the neighbouring Eel Pye House 1775 C, on the Great North Road, presumably an old eating house.

Places in the same Parish

Major Settlement