Offchurch
Major Settlement in the Parish of Offchurch
Historical Forms
- Offechirch 1139 RegAlb 1252 FF 1291 Tax
- Offechericħ 1195 P
- Offekirke 1196 ib
- Offechireche 1209 FF
- Offechurche 1221 Pap
- Offecherche 1225 Bracton 1257 Ch
- Affechirche 1221 Ass
- Ofchirche 1262 Ass 1386 ADv
- Ofechirch 1267 Ch
- Ofchurchebury 1558 AddCh
Etymology
'Offa 's church.' “This hath been a town of no small note in the Saxons time, if we may believe Tradition; for in one part of the Lordship is a place called the Berye , which signifies no less than burgus or curia ; and accordingly 'tis said that Offa, K. of Mercia had here a Palace; as also, the Church first, and so consequently the Village, had this name” (Dugdale 290). The 'Berye ' is Offchurch Bury, earlier Ofchurchebury 1558AddCh .