Silverlock

This is a pre medieval English surname, generally recorded in the West Country, which perhaps should be better known. It is, or rather was, a either a name of status or a nickname for a person who perhaps was prematurely grey haired. In the 20th century the name could be applied to over one third of the population, but not in 13th century, when to live beyond forty was at least to be regarded as a "survivor". More probably to be grey haired was to be an automatic "Elder" of the community, and hence treated with considerable respect, one who was "touched by god's hand". The deriavtion is from the Pre 7th century words "selver loc", as reflected in the first known recording as shown below. It is estimated that over 20% of English surnames are nicknames. These are often satirical, but not so in this case. The early recordings include John Silverloc of Somerset, a witness at the Assize Court of the year 1268, and later, Elizabeth Silverlock, who married Gilbert Seabrooke in London, in 1622. The first known recording is proably that of Adam Selverloc, in the court rolls of the city of Worcester, in the year 1221. This was during the early part of the long reign of King Henry 111 of England, 1216 - 1272.