Shelter

The surname SHELTER is of English origin and dates back to the late 13th century. It is believed to have derived from the Old English word "scylcru," which referred to a small hut or shelter used by shepherds or farmers. Over time, this word evolved into "shelter," which became a common occupational surname for those who were responsible for building or maintaining shelters, such as carpenters or builders.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname SHELTER can be found in the Hundred Rolls of Huntingdonshire, a collection of administrative records from the late 13th century. In these rolls, a man named John le Shelterer is mentioned, indicating that the surname was already in use at that time. Additionally, in the 14th-century Poll Tax Returns for Yorkshire, several individuals with the surname SHELTER are listed, including Thomas Sheltre and Willelmus Sheltur.

In the 16th century, the surname SHELTER appeared in various historical documents and records across England. For example, in the Diocesan Records of Canterbury, a man named John Shelter was mentioned in 1562. Another notable individual from this period was Robert Shelter, who was born in 1587 in Gloucestershire and served as a member of the English Parliament during the reign of King Charles I.

The SHELTER surname has also been associated with certain place names, particularly in areas where the family was prominent. For instance, in Dorset, there is a village called Shillingstone, which was historically known as "Shelterstane" or "Shelterstun," derived from the Old English words for "shelter" and "stone" or "settlement." This suggests that the SHELTER family may have had a presence in this area during the medieval period.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the surname SHELTER:

1. William Shelter (1558-1624), an English clergyman and academic who served as the Regius Professor of Greek at Cambridge University. 2. John Shelter (1645-1723), a prominent English merchant and philanthropist who was involved in the establishment of several charitable organizations in London. 3. Elizabeth Shelter (1688-1762), an English writer and poet who published several collections of poetry and plays during the 18th century. 4. Thomas Shelter (1790-1864), a British architect and civil engineer who designed several notable buildings in London, including the Royal Exchange and the Smithfield Market. 5. Mary Shelter (1821-1898), an English educator and social reformer who founded several schools for underprivileged children in her native county of Somerset.

While the surname SHELTER may not have been as widely documented as some other English surnames, its roots can be traced back to the medieval period, and it has been associated with various occupations, locations, and notable individuals throughout its long history.