Tredgold

This unusual and interesting surname is of early medieval English origin, and derives from an occupational nickname for an embroiderer, specifically one who embroidered fine clothes with gold thread. The name derives from the Middle English "thred(en)", to thread, from the Olde English pre 7th Century "thraed", thread, with "gold", gold. This embroiderer would have done decorative needlework, usually on loosely woven cloth or canvas, with gold thread, often being a picture or pattern. Occupational surnames were originally acquired by those who were employed in that specific occupation, but later became hereditary. Walterus Tredegold (Kent), and William Tredegold (Warwickshire) are noted in the Hundred Rolls of 1273. Robert Dredegold is listed in Kirby's Quest for Somerset (1328). In the modern idiom the surname can be found as Threadgold, Threadgould, Threadkell, Threadgall, Threadgill, Thridgould, Treadgold, Treadgall and Tredgold. Recordings of the surname from London Church Registers include: the marriage of Sarah Threadgold and John Bigg on January 6th 1685, at St. Andrew's, Enfield; the marriage of Thomas Treadgall and Anne Wells on June 28th 1685, at St. Katherine by the Tower; and the christening of Valentine Threadgall on November 12th 1752, at St. Pancras, Foundling Hospital Church of England. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Reginald Tredegold, which was dated 1199, in the "Memoranda Rolls of Wiltshire", during the reign of King Richard 1, known as "Richard the Lionheart", 1189 - 1199. 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.