Shard End
Early-attested site in the Parish of Castle Bromwich
Historical Forms
- le Sherd 1334 BirmDeed
- Shardend 1642 FF
- atte Sherd 1327,1332 SR
Etymology
Shard End is le Sherd 1334BirmDeed , Shardend 1642FF and was the home of Thomas and Adam atte Sherd (1327, 1332 SR).This is the OE sceard, 'notch, gap,' etc. There is nothing in the topography here to suggest any such meaning as 'gap in the hills, pass,' so it must be taken as 'gap in a hedge, enclosure' or the like. Cf. Scherde 1336Coventry (in Foleshill), Wotton Sherde 1581LRMB (in Kenilworth, probably near Leek Wotton border), Sherds Copse in Shorwell (Wt), La Scherde 1279 Misc, Sherde 1346 FA and William atte Sharde 1275 SR (Wo).