Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Bilemersch 1250–5 Eyton 1529–30 SBL6305

• Bilmarshe 1579 PR(L)

• - 17thcent. Gough

Etymology

v. mersc . The first element is bile 'bill, beak', used in place-names for “a pointed projection, either with reference to topography…or to the shape of a boundary” (VEPN). The boundary-shape sense is probably found here. TAMap shows a field called Bilmarsh Meadow , ¾ mile N. of the settlement, which suggests that the marsh extended into the sharply pointed projection on the N.E. boundary of Myddle parish (v. Map 2).

Gough p. 33 refers to a “small common” called Billmarsh Green , and Hey p. 14 refers to Little Bilmarsh , purchased in the mid-17th cent. Gough, p. 38, also mentions a spring called Bill-well , the stream from which runs through Billa Meadows . The latter may be the TA Bilmarsh Meadow .