I was just wondering if anyone could tell me where 'Pyrary, Dorset'
is, as referred >to in the below Herald's Visitation [of Dorset].
The best I can come up with is Perry Farm in the hamlet of Alderholt
in the parish of Canford Magna. This is right on the county boundary
with Hampshire, due north of Bournemouth.
According to "Dorset Place Names" by A.D. Mills this was variously
known as 'Purie' in 1324, 'La Purye' in 1404, 'Perrye' in 17th
century. Probably from the Old English 'pyrige' meaning 'the pear
tree'.
You might find more information in the antiquarian 'History of
Dorset' by John Hutchins. Apart from being available in large
libraries, this is also available on microfilm at LDS centres. It's
on four films, with the index at the end of the last one. These
volumes also contain details of coats of arms - see separate index at
end.
Diana