Where does the name ‘De Mankemerrie’ come from?
In historical geography, the Country Books (= precursor of the Land Registry) are a reliable document. But the name Mankerrie also holds linguistic things in store:
- The most obvious explanation: the inn was a resting place for men and horses. It was quite possible that the owner had a mare who was a bit stiff, or he himself was. Hence the name “Manke merrie – lame mare”. With personal naming throughout people’s history, people were inclined to state physical specifications.
- De Mankemerrie can be a popular contraction of ‘manke’ (= not so profitable) and ‘miere’ (= soggy soil). Local authorities prefer this interpretation.
- There is, however, a popular, non-written, but traditional meaning. Would De Mankemerrie ever have been a house of pleasure? After all, sexuality was rather mysterious depending on the culture and the era. Other names of inns, such as De Roste Muis (Waterland-Oudeland) or the Bed of Napoleon (Lubbeek) may refer to identical situations. But now it is a place of other, warm pleasure!