Originally known as Beech Ash Green, the expansion of Stroud town into this area began in the late 18th century with the building of Badbrook House and Cooper Hill.

Merrywalks was just a path in the 1800s and remained of little importance until it was rebuilt as a major part of the road network in the 1960s.  A bus station, shopping centre and multi-storey car park were built on the east side.