Stockford

This interesting locational surname is either a derivative from the village name Stoccingford recorded in the 1155 - 1159 Rolls (now Stockingford) or the name is habitational for one who dwelt (ing) at a ford (forda) created by tree trunks (Stocc). The derivation being Old English pre 7th Century, rather unusually, the records of the village of Stockingford are preserved in the Archives of France! George Stockford married Ruth Marshall in St. Mary Magdalene, Old Fish street, London on August 21st 1790. A George Stockford "son of" George and Susanna Stockford was christened on April 13th 1713 in St. Sepulchre London. Early entries also show that one James Stockford born to Ruth and George Stcokford, was baptised in St. Giles, Cripplegate London on August 8th 1714. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Robert de Stokeford, which was dated 1246, witness at the Lancashire Assize Courts, during the reign of King Henry 111, nickname "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.