Meerfield Dorsetshire???

[Deano8123]

Hi Folk,

Im doing some research into a distent relation Dr John Barkham (http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Barkham,_John_%28DNB00%29) and his relations.

I have come across him in many of the Visitation of.... books all saying that he is desended from the "Barchams of Brabant" and afterwards of Meerfield, Dorsetshire.

They problem I am finding is that I can seem to see a Merefield in Dorset anywhere? I have also tried the spelling Merefeld but I can find a definate area in Dorest.

Could anybody shed any light on this? Maybe the name changed over the years ??

If anybody could help or point me in the right position that would be great thanks.

Cheers

Deano

[denrosh]

Hi Deano8123.
I work in Dorset but still don't recognise Meerfield. Have you looked at the on-line parish clerk site which has lots of village information and B M D's -
www.opcdorset.org
Hope this helps

[nanny jan]

Hi,

Have you seen this?


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Barkham



Nanny Jan

[Deano8123]

Hi Denrosh,

Think it must have changed name after the 14th century??? but to what ?? who knows??

Hi nanny the link I provied is the same information just abit more detailed but thank you anyway.

[nanny jan]

Hi,

Dorset History Centre might be able to help. 


Nanny Jan

[MarionH]

Hi Deano,

I think you will find Merefield was in Wiltshire. It may have been on the border of Dorset at one time but the only one I know of is now classified to be in Wiltshire.

Cheers, Marion

[B.E.]

There was also a Merefield/Meryfield in Somerset. It's now Marryfield Airfield, nr Ilton, just off the A358.

It's currently well inside Somerset. I'm unaware of any Dorsetshire 'enclaves' in that area, but there have been a few boundary anomalies over the centuries.

[MarionH]

The only other possibility could be Merry Field Hill. This comes from Dorset Places Names - Their meanings and Origins. " Merry Field Hill (in Colehill) Meriefelde 1595. 'pleasant field' or 'field where merry-making took place', from Old English myrge and field"

It's the closest I can find for you.

Marion