Chellew

The surname Chellew can be traced back to England, with origins dating back to the 12th century. It is believed to have originated from the Old English word "chyll," meaning "cold," and the word "hlaw," meaning "hill" or "mound." This suggests that the name likely referred to someone who lived on or near a cold hill or mound.

The name Chellew is thought to have derived from place names such as Chillowe, Chilloe, or Chelloe, which were small villages or settlements in various parts of England. These place names may have been recorded in ancient manuscripts or local records, although specific mentions are scarce.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Chellew can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Gloucestershire from the year 1190, where a person named Robert de Chellowe is listed as a landowner. This suggests that the name was already well-established in the region by the late 12th century.

In the 13th century, a notable figure named John de Chellowe was mentioned in the Feet of Fines for Wiltshire in 1268. This record documented land transactions and property disputes, indicating that the Chellew family held some level of prominence or wealth during that time.

Another early record of the name can be found in the Yorkshire Poll Tax Returns of 1379, which lists a person named Thomas Chellowe as a taxpayer in the region.

One of the earliest known individuals with the surname Chellew was John Chellew, who was born in Somerset, England, in the late 15th century. He was a prominent landowner and served as a member of the local gentry.

During the 16th century, a noteworthy figure named Thomas Chellew (born in 1520, died in 1589) was a prominent merchant and alderman in the city of Bristol. He played a significant role in the city's trade and economic affairs during his lifetime.

In the 17th century, a man named Robert Chellew (1625-1702) was a well-known clergyman and author who served as a rector in various parishes in Wiltshire and Somerset.

Another notable individual with the surname Chellew was Sir John Chellew (1690-1757), a military officer who served in the British Army during the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years' War. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant General and was knighted for his service.

The Chellew family continued to be present in various parts of England throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, with individuals holding various roles in society, such as landowners, clergymen, and professionals.