Berkeley Street (Upper and Lower). After Edward Berkeley Portman, the ground landlord. There is a Berkeley Street too in Clerkenwell, on the site of which stood the residence of Sir Maurice Berkeley, the standard-bearer of Henry VIII., Edward VI., and Elizabeth.
Berkshire. The Beoric, or “forest shire,” of the Saxons.
Berlin. From the Slavonic Berle, denoting its situation in the midst of a sandy plain.
Bermondsey. The ey, or creek land, belonging to the Saxon lord Beomund.
Bermuda Islands. After Juan Bermudas, who discovered them in 1522.
Bernardine Hospice. This noble institution on the Alpine heights was not founded by St Bernard, nor has it ever been served by the monks of his Order. It takes its name from Bernard de Menthon, a wealthy Savoyard, who in 962 established this house of refuge for the pilgrims crossing the Alps on their way to the Holy Land. The monks who serve the Hospice are Augustinians.
Bernardines. The monastic Order founded by St Bernard in 1115.
Berne. From the German Bären, which expresses the plural for bear. The figure of a bear is conspicuous on the public buildings, fountains, etc.
Berners Street. After Lady Berners, the original owner of the land hereabouts.
Best Man at a Wedding. A survival of feudal times, when the particular friends of the “Bridegroom” undertook to frustrate the designs of a rival sworn to carry off the bride before the nuptials could take place. In Sweden weddings formerly took place under cover of night. Behind the high altar of the ancient church at Husaby, in Gothland, a collection of long lances, with sockets for torches, may yet be seen. These were served out to the groomsmen on such occasions, both for defence and illumination. These groomsmen were the bravest and best who could be found to volunteer their services.