Mearse Fm
Early-attested site in the Parish of Inkberrow
Historical Forms
- de la Merche 1275 SR
- ate Merse, de la Mers 1301 Ipm 1303 FF
- atte March 1316 Ipm
- Mea(r)se Field 1817 Map
Etymology
This is probably the OFr marche rather than OE mearc, as the latter should have come out as mark (v. march in NED).The place lies near the bounds of Feckenham Forest and the name therefore means 'farm on the march or boundary.' For confusion of final ch and s , v. IPN 102. Similarly, though we have no early forms, Mearse Fm, Lane and Coppice in Belbroughton are on the bounds of Fairfield or of Feckenham Forest, and Mearse House in Chaddesley Corbett is probably on the bounds of the old manor of Bellington.