The place name, Merridale, can be traced back to its earliest known medieval form, 'Muriden' – likely from Old English 'myrge' (meaning sweet, pleasant, agreeable) 'denu' (valley).

Merridale Court, a 156-home council estate of low rise flats, was opened there in 1955.

[2] Within the area are a number of locally listed buildings – including a coach house dating from the 1850s, built in the Tudor Revival style.

This property, along with the nearby former Eye Infirmary, is part of The Oaks (Merridale Road) Conservation Area.

There are also some private houses (completed 2017) next to merridale court on an old MEB site.