Fielden

The surname Fielden is believed to have originated in England during the medieval period. It is thought to be a locational name derived from the place name "Fielden," which refers to an area or field in Lancashire, England. The name is likely derived from the Old English words "feld" or "feldan," meaning "field" or "open land."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name dates back to the 13th century, where it appears in the Pipe Rolls of Yorkshire in 1273 as "de Felden." This suggests that the name was already established and associated with a particular location at that time.

In the 14th century, the name appeared in various records, including the Poll Tax Returns of Yorkshire in 1379, where it was listed as "Fielden." This spelling variation is indicative of the evolution of the name over time.

The Fielden surname is also found in the Domesday Book of 1086, a comprehensive survey of landholdings and population in England commissioned by William the Conqueror. However, the specific reference and spelling used in the Domesday Book are unclear.

One notable person with the Fielden surname was John Fielden (1784-1849), a British industrialist and social reformer. He was a prominent figure in the campaign for the factory reform movement, advocating for better working conditions and shorter hours for factory workers.

Another individual of historical significance was Samuel Fielden (1847-1922), an American labor activist and anarchist. He was one of the defendants in the famous Haymarket Affair trial in Chicago in 1886, which involved a bombing and subsequent clashes between police and protesters.

In the realm of literature, Obadiah Fielden (1679-1737) was an English clergyman and author who wrote several religious works, including "The Course of Life" and "An Exposition of the Catechism."

Joshua Fielden (1782-1857) was a British industrialist and philanthropist who established several schools and churches in the Todmorden area of Lancashire, where the Fielden family had significant landholdings.

Lastly, Thomas Fielden (1783-1857) was a British politician and industrialist who served as a Member of Parliament for Oldham from 1832 to 1847. He was actively involved in the campaign for the abolition of the Corn Laws, which imposed restrictive tariffs on imported grain.

The Fielden surname has a rich history deeply rooted in England, particularly in the Lancashire region. While its origins can be traced back to the medieval period, the name has been carried by individuals of significance across various fields, including industry, politics, social reform, and literature.