Coat of Arms & Family Crests Store
  Thirlway Coat of Arms / Thirlway Family CrestThe surname of THIRLWAY was a locational name 'at the thirlway' the road leading through the breach or gateway in a Roman wall. Local names usually denoted where a man held his land, and indicated where he actually lived. The name is also spelt as THIRLWALL and THIRLAWAY. Early records of the name mention Richard de THURLEWALL who was documented during the reign of Henry III (1216-1272) and Edwin THURLWAY of Yorkshire, was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. Originally the coat of arms identified the wearer, either in battle or in tournaments. Completely covered in body and facial armour the knight could be spotted and known by the insignia painted on his shield, and embroidered on his surcoat, the draped garment which enveloped him. Between the 11th and 15th centuries it became customary for surnames to be assumed in Europe, but were not commonplace in England or Scotland before the Norman Conquest of 1066. They are to be found in the Domesday Book of 1086. Those of gentler blood assumed surnames at this time, but it was not until the reign of Edward II (1307-1327) that second names became general practice for all people. Since the dawn of civilisation the need to communicate has been a prime drive of all higher mankind. The more organised the social structure became, the more urgent the need to name places, objects and situations essential to the survival and existence of the social unit. From this common stem arose the requirements to identify families, tribes and individual members evolving into a pattern in evidence today. In the formation of this history, common usage of customs, trades, locations, patronymic and generic terms were often adopted as surnames. The demands of bureaucracy formally introduced by feudal lords in the 11th century, to define the boundaries and families within their fiefdoms, crystallized the need for personal identification and accountability, and surnames became in general use from this time onwards. The name was probably brought to England in the wake of the Norman Conquest of 1066. A notable member of the name was Connop THIRLWALL (1797-1875) the English prelate and historian, born in Stepney, London. He was educated at Charterhouse and Trinity College, Cambridge, called to the Bar in 1825, but in 1827 took orders. In 1840 he was made bishop of St. David's, Cardiff, and is buried in Westminster Abbbey. |
Orders over $90 qualify for Free Shipping within the U.S. |
