Squiers

The surname Squiers originated in England during the medieval period. It derives from the Norman-French word "esquier," which means "squire" or "shield-bearer." Squires were attendants to knights or men of high social rank in feudal times.

The name likely emerged as an occupational surname for someone who served as a squire or had ancestors who held that position. It first appeared in historical records in the late 12th century with spellings like "le Squiere" and "Esquire."

One of the earliest documented examples is Roger le Squiere, recorded in the Pipe Rolls of Warwickshire in 1196. Around the same period, a William le Squier is mentioned in the Curia Regis Rolls of Nottinghamshire in 1199.

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 list a John le Squyer in Oxfordshire and a Walter le Squyer in Huntingdonshire. The name's prevalence increased over time, appearing in various places across England.

In the 14th century, the Squiers surname began appearing in its modern spelling. The Poll Tax of 1379 records a John Squier in Yorkshire and a William Squier in Sussex.

One notable early bearer of the name was Sir Robert Squiers (c.1450-1520), a courtier and soldier who served under King Henry VII and King Henry VIII.

Another prominent individual was John Squiers (1610-1684), an English clergyman and author who served as the Archdeacon of Merioneth in Wales.

Sir Edmund Squiers (1635-1679) was a lawyer and politician who served as Chief Baron of the Exchequer in Ireland during the late 17th century.

In the 18th century, Edward Squiers (1745-1821) was a respected English architect who designed several notable buildings in London.

Moving into the 19th century, Henry Lewis Squiers (1825-1876) was a British artist and illustrator known for his depictions of rural life and landscapes.