Hench

The surname Hench is of English origin, with roots tracing back to the early Middle Ages. It is believed to have derived from the Old English word "hencga," which referred to a hinge or a pivot. This name may have initially been an occupational surname, given to someone who worked as a maker or repairer of hinges or other pivoting mechanisms.

During the medieval period, the name was primarily concentrated in the counties of Gloucestershire and Worcestershire in the West Midlands region of England. The earliest recorded instance of the surname can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Gloucestershire from 1207, where a person named Robert Hench is mentioned.

The name appears in various early records and manuscripts, including the Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire from 1327, which lists a Robert le Henge. The "le" prefix was commonly used in surnames during that era to denote a person's occupation or place of origin.

One notable figure with the surname Hench was John Hench, a renowned English architect and engineer who lived from 1735 to 1805. He was responsible for designing several notable buildings, including the Royal Crescent in Bath and the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.

Another prominent individual was William Hench, an English clergyman and author who lived from 1566 to 1625. He served as the Archdeacon of Barnstaple and authored several religious works, including "A Dialogue Defending the Descent of Christ into Hell."

In the 16th century, the surname was occasionally spelled as "Hinge" or "Henge," reflecting its linguistic roots. One example is Richard Henge, an English churchman born in 1563, who served as the Archdeacon of Coventry and later became the Bishop of Peterborough.

During the 17th century, the name Hench appeared in various parish records across England, particularly in the counties of Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, and Warwickshire. One notable figure from this time was John Hench, born in 1628, who was a prominent merchant and landowner in the city of Worcester.

In the 18th century, the surname continued to be found in various parts of England, with some individuals achieving notable positions. For instance, Thomas Hench, born in 1722, was a successful lawyer and served as the Recorder of Gloucester, a prestigious legal position at the time.