Chidwick

This is a variant spelling of the Olde English topographical and locational name 'cadduc - wic' made up of the elements 'cadda' a pre 7th Century personal name and 'wic', a landing stage or harbour. The name is perpetuatal in the place names of Chadwick recorded in Lancashire, Worcestershire and Warwick, being places on rivers. The name may also derive from the Dorset 'Chideok' found in Domesday Book as 'Cidihoc', but this is unlikely. The surname recordings are rare but includes Jane Chidwick who married John Robinson at St. Botolphs, Bishopgate on June 28th 1769. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Elizabeth Chidwick, which was dated 1673, married William Warton on June 1st at St. Mary le Bone, during the reign of King Charles II, 'The Merry Monarch', 1660 - 1685. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.