Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Suþemeresfelda 933 BCS697 13th BCS1195 967 13th

• Suðemeresfelda 1062 KCD812 13th

• Suthemeresfeld 1203 LBa

• Suthmaresfelde al. Suthmeresfeld 1181 BM

• Suthemeresfeld 1293 Ipm

• Suthmaresfelde 1317 Winton

• South Merfeld 1428 FA

• Southmerfeild 1549 Pat

• Cannon Farm 1765 R

• Summerfield 1841 TA

Etymology

'Open land forming part of the south boundary of the parish,' v. (ge)mære, feld . The place is near the south boundary of the parish. For such a compound cf. Mazedale (PN Nth 27). The meare or boundary was an important feature in the economy of an old English parish. The later name is due to the fact that the manor belonged to the Prior and Canons of St Mary Overy (Southwark). See further Canonhams infra 376.