Lea Heath (clearing in the wood)

Left: Lea Heath from Dalby's map, 1723
Right: Lea Heath from Rocque's map of Berkshire, 1761
 

Lea Heath was an area of common land that joined Merry Hill Green with Whistley and Hurst church. Much of it was taken for cultivation and passed to private owners during the enclosure Acts in the early 19th century.

Lea Heath and Merryhill for Hurst Parish Tithe Map, 1840

By 1853 part of the road passing through the heath was known as Davis Street, after William Davis who built some cottages there. Now forms part of the B3030 that runs north from Winnersh to Twyford.

References in main text:

         I   Early Forest (1)
       III   The Bounds (1)
      VI   The Royal Village (1)
      IX   Great Houses (2)
      XI   Commuting (2)
     XII   Commerce (3)
    XIII   New Farmland (1)
     XV  Recently (1)