Cheal

The surname CHEAL is of English origin, and it is believed to have originated in the southern counties of England during the medieval period. The name is thought to be derived from the Old English word "cēal," which means "cold" or "chilly," suggesting that it may have been originally used as a descriptive nickname for someone who lived in a particularly cold or exposed area.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the CHEAL surname appears in the Pipe Rolls of Sussex in 1197, where a person named Reginald Cheal is mentioned. This historical record provides evidence of the surname's existence and usage in the late 12th century.

In the 13th century, the CHEAL surname can be found in various records from Hampshire and Wiltshire, indicating that it had spread to these neighboring counties. For instance, a John Cheal is listed in the Subsidy Rolls of Wiltshire in 1268.

The CHEAL surname has also been linked to certain place names, particularly in the county of Hampshire. For example, there is a village called Cheal, which may have been named after a family bearing this surname or vice versa. Additionally, the surname has been recorded with various spellings over the centuries, such as Cheale, Chiele, and Chele.

One notable individual with the CHEAL surname was Thomas Cheal (1590-1655), an English botanist and apothecary who published a book called "Aretius: Or, The Contemplations of the Garden" in 1653. This work was one of the earliest English gardening manuals and contributed to the development of horticulture in the 17th century.

Another individual of note was Robert Cheal (1832-1910), a nurseryman and horticulturist from Crawley, Sussex. He was renowned for his work in breeding and cultivating various plants, particularly roses, and his nursery was highly respected in the horticultural community.

In the 19th century, Henry Cheal (1826-1898) was a prominent English cricketer who played for Sussex County Cricket Club. He was a right-handed batsman and occasional wicket-keeper, and he played in several first-class matches between 1848 and 1871.

The Reverend Samuel Cheal (1752-1837) was an English clergyman and author who served as the vicar of Islip, Oxfordshire, for over 50 years. He wrote several works on religious and historical topics, including "The Antiquities of Banbury" and "The Christian's Companion in Affliction and Sickness."

Finally, George Cheal (1830-1910) was an English architect and surveyor who worked in the city of Brighton during the Victorian era. He designed several notable buildings in the area, including the Brighton Aquarium and several churches and private residences.