A detailed history of England commenced from the Germanic Invasion during the mid 5th Century A.D. During the 10th Century Briatain was united into one Kingdom with all existing Anglo Saxon communities merging after the invasion of William of Normandy in 1066 who later became William 1st of England. The Normans brought with them the feudal system which was a social system of rights and duties based on land tenure.
The surname Merrick is of baptismal origin. Surnames, also designated as family names inherited and held collectively by members of a family group. Initially srunames indicated one by connectioin to a family member foremost being the father, eg.. John (son) Jack (son) etc.
In this case the surname is given to the son of Merrick.
Early records of this surname or a variant include Henry Meriche who appears on the Poll Tax of Yorkshire in the year 1379. This tax was instrumental in causing a revolt in 1380. As the tax did not discriminate between rich and poor and was therefore viewed as unfair. The amount was levied on each person regardless of their position in society.
The leader of this peasants revolt was on Mat Tyler. Concerning family names records one of the most significant stipulations was introduced by the Council of Trent in the year 1563 when it was proclaimed that all parishes should kep detailed register of all baptisms together wit the names of the child and its forebears. This edict was the first which ensured that systematic records were to be kept.
From Church records we find the marriage between Richard Merrick and Martha Tither in Westminster in the year 1610. |
