Mere, Wiltshire Beggars Bush 1890
Thomas Baker refers to a site on the boundary of the Down and arable land adjoining the turnpike road from Mere to Salisbury, which was a large space of waste ground. Baker wrote he was “under the impression” it was named from being a haunt of gypsies. Michael Tighe reports that Baker was a reliable informant who lived locally, and was Chairman of the Board of Poor Law Guardians.
The site is now beneath the A303. I have not found any other evidence. The place name does not appear on any maps, of which there are a Simpson Survey (c.1770), an Enclosure Award (1820), and Tithe Map (1848) although it may possibly be over the parish boundary in West Knoyle.
Tighe says the name is no longer used, but that he spoke to a local farm worker who remembered it as both Badger’s Bush and then then as Baddies Bush in the early 20th century, both from the animals/persons who inhabited it. I am inclined to discount both explanations as being well intentioned attempts to help.
Sources
Baker – S & D N & Q vol. II (1891) p. 275 no 219
Thanks
Michael Tighe
Posted: April 10th, 2011 | Filed under: Places | Tags: Mere, Wiltshire, badgers | No Comments »
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