Chapple

The surname Chapple is believed to have originated in England, specifically in the northern counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire, during the medieval period. It is derived from the Old English words "ceap" or "chep," meaning "barter" or "trade," and "hyll" or "hull," meaning "hill." This suggests that the name may have initially referred to someone who lived or worked on a hill where trading or bartering took place.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Chapple appears in the Subsidy Rolls of Yorkshire from 1301, where a John de Chephill is mentioned. The Subsidy Rolls were tax records compiled during the reign of King Edward I, indicating that the name was already in use by the early 14th century.

In the 16th century, the name Chapple can be found in various records from the region, including parish registers and court rolls. For example, a Thomas Chapple was recorded in the Wakefield Court Rolls of 1557, and a William Chapple was mentioned in the Parish Registers of Ecclesfield, Yorkshire, in 1587.

The Chapple surname is also closely associated with the nearby town of Chapel-en-le-Frith in Derbyshire, which likely derives its name from a similar etymology. It is possible that some branches of the Chapple family migrated from Yorkshire to this area, contributing to the local population.

One notable individual bearing the Chapple surname was William Chapple (1718-1781), an English clergyman and author who served as the rector of Radbourne in Derbyshire. He is remembered for his literary works, including a collection of poems titled "Miscellanies in Prose and Verse" published in 1770.

Another significant figure was John Chapple (1851-1920), a British architect and surveyor who designed several notable buildings in London, including the Royal Masonic Hospital and the Royal Albert Hall. He was also involved in the restoration of various historic churches and buildings.

In the United States, one of the earliest recorded instances of the Chapple surname is found in the 17th century. Richard Chapple (1635-1696) was an early settler in Massachusetts Bay Colony, arriving in the 1660s and establishing a family line that continued for generations.

Thomas Chapple (1788-1854) was a British soldier and author who served in the Napoleonic Wars and later wrote a memoir titled "A Narrative of the Incidents from the First Invention of Steam Boats." He provided valuable insights into the early development of steamboat technology.

Elizabeth Chapple (1890-1982) was an English artist and illustrator best known for her etchings and engravings depicting rural landscapes and scenes from everyday life. Her works were widely exhibited and are held in various museum collections.