Pilcher

The surname Pilcher is of English origin, deriving from the Old English words "pylcere" or "pilece," meaning a maker or seller of cloaks, coats, or other outer garments. This occupational surname emerged during the medieval period, when it was common practice for individuals to adopt surnames based on their trades or professions.

The name Pilcher can be traced back to the county of Somerset in South West England, where it was particularly prevalent in the 13th and 14th centuries. Early records mention individuals with variations of the name, such as Pylcher, Pilchour, and Pilcher, living in towns like Taunton and Yeovil.

One of the earliest documented references to the name Pilcher can be found in the Subsidy Rolls of Somerset from 1327, which list a John le Pilchour among the taxpayers. This record suggests that the name was already established in the region by the 14th century.

In the 15th century, the Pilcher surname appeared in various historical records, including the Patent Rolls of 1459, which mention a William Pilcher from Dorset. Another notable individual was John Pilcher (c. 1440-1501), a prominent English jurist and Chief Justice of the Common Pleas during the reign of Henry VII.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Pilcher family dispersed across different parts of England, with branches establishing themselves in counties like Devon, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire. One prominent figure from this period was Roger Pilcher (1565-1623), an English clergyman and author who served as the Rector of Cheriton, Hampshire.

As the name spread, it also became associated with certain place names. For instance, the hamlet of Pilcher's Hill in Dorset likely derived its name from the Pilcher family who resided there. Similarly, Pilcher's Gate in Nottinghamshire may have been named after a local landowner or resident with the surname.

Other notable individuals with the Pilcher surname include:

1. Thomas Pilcher (1621-1677), an English Puritan clergyman and author known for his work "A Modest Vindication of the Doctrine of Conditions." 2. Samuel Pilcher (1770-1838), an English Quaker minister and abolitionist who campaigned against slavery. 3. George Pilcher (1816-1873), a British civil engineer who worked on various railway projects in India. 4. Mary Pilcher (1836-1923), an American writer and poet from Indiana, known for her work "The Reformed Houskeeper." 5. William A. Pilcher (1866-1950), an American politician who served as a U.S. Representative from Washington.

While the Pilcher surname has its roots in medieval England, it has since spread to other parts of the world, particularly through British emigration and colonization. However, this detailed history focuses specifically on the English origins and early records of the Pilcher surname.