Darch

This surname is of French topographical origin for someone who lived by the arch of a bridge or aqueduct. Darch(e) results from the fusion of the French topographical prefix "de" with "arche", an arch i.e. a curved structure that spans an opening e.g. gateway or bridge. This is reflected in their heraldic coat of arms, as shown in "Rietstap's Armorial General", being a Silver Shield with a long red curved bow. On January 14th 1730, Mary Darch married Henry Adams at St. Bride's, Fleet Street, London. On January 20th 1754, Isaac Darch, married Hannah Branch in St. Georges, Mayfair, Westminster. On June 10th 1787, James Darch married Ann Porter in Allhallows, Staining, London, on April 10th 1788, James, son of James and Ann Darch was christened in Babtist Christ Church, Southwark and on January 18th 1792, another son, John, was christened there. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Arch, which was dated circa 1680, Paris, France, during the reign of King Louis X1V, "The Sun King", 1643 - 1715. 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.