Physick

This is a semi descriptive metonymic nickname for a person who practised cures and medicine, but may not have been a registered Barber and Surgeon. The job origin is English medieval, although the word was probably introduced by the Normans after 1066. It has been suggested that the name is locational from the village of Fishwick in Lancashire and it is possible but unproven that some name holders may derive from this source. The name development has included Richard Physik (1263, Malmesbury, Wiltshire), Nicholas Phisicke (1617, Oxford, University Register) 1620, John Fisick, Baptised in London. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of John le Fisicien. which was dated 1269, in the "Staffordshire Assize Court". during the reign of King Henry 111, known as "The Frenchman", 1216 - 1272. 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.