Skurray

This rare and interesting name is locational from a now so called 'lost' village possibly in Somerset. During the Middle Ages whole populations were driven out of their homes to make way for sheep pastures, as well as the more natural situations such as plague, war, and the migration of those seeking work elsewhere, thus resulting in the 'lost' village phenomenon. The only evidence of the village having existed is in the surname which is passed on by former inhabitants. There are estimated to be from seven to ten thousand such lost villages and hamlets. In London one John Skurray married Mary Wicker at St. Annis, Soho in 1731, and in St. James, Bath, Somerset one Elizabeth Skurray was christened in 1798. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Semon Scury, which was dated Kirby's Quest, circa 1327, Somerset, during the reign of King Edward III, The Father of the Navy, 1327 - 1377. 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.