This surname is derived from a geographical locality. 'of Lechmore,' probably some moor in the vicinity of Lechlade, a parish twenty-eight miles from Gloucester. The surname seems to have arisen in that district.

1587-8. Richard Lechmore, or Lichmoore, Herefordshire: Register of the University of Oxford.

1599. Edmund Leachmore, or Lechemoore, or Lechmoor, Herefordshire: ibid.

1670. Sandys Lechmere and Joan Holmes: Marriage Lic. (Faculty Office).

1677. Thomas Lechmere and Jane Blagrave: Marriage Alleg. (Canterbury).

A family of great antiquity, said to have migrated from the Low Countries, and to have received a grant of land called Lechmere's Field in Hanley, co.

Local. This family originally came from the Low Countries. Lech is a branch of the Rhine, which parts from it at Wyke, and running westward, falls into the Maes, before Rotterdam; mere, a lake.

For De la Mare. As is elsewhere stated, in 1165 Robert de la Mare held 10 fees of the honour of Gloucester. From him sprang several branches in Gloucester, Worcester, and Hereford. In 13th cent. Thomas de Hanley or De la Mare held Hanley-Thorn of William de la M., who held of H. of Gloucester (Testa de Neville). Doddesham was also held from William de la M. by William le Manus (Mara), as was Redmarley (Testa de Neville), and Thomas de Hanley held in Dodesham from William de la Mare (Ib.). Gilbert de Hanley held from Sir Reginald de Hanley or De la Mare. The Lords of Hanley, where the La Mares were afterwards seated, were evidently a branch of De la Mare. It was usual to write the name ‘Lamare,’ as appears in the records, and it afterwards became 'Lachmare’ by the same mode in which Lile became Lidle, and Kenebel Knatchbull. Hence the Lords and Baronets Lechmere. See Delamare.