Bleatham
Early-attested site in the Parish of Egdean
Historical Forms
- Bletteham c.1121 SAC40,63 1291 Tax
- Bleteham c.1121 SAC40,64 1314 Ipm 1327 SR
- Bletham 1428 FA
- Egden al. Bleatham 1663 InstPRO
Etymology
The first element here must be the OE adj. blēat , ME blete , meaning probably 'naked, bare' and perhaps 'miserable.'Hence perhaps 'exposed or miserable homestead.' bleat is still used in Sussex dialect (Parish) in the sense 'cold, cutting (of the wind).'