Towler

The surname Towler originates from England, where it first appeared in the late 13th century. It is derived from the Old English word "tolere," which means "one who collects toll or tax." The name likely referred to an individual who worked as a toll collector or tax gatherer.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Subsidy Rolls of Yorkshire from 1297, where a John Toller is mentioned. This early spelling variation highlights the link to the occupation of toll collection.

In the 14th century, the surname appeared in various records, including the Pipe Rolls of Gloucestershire from 1346, where a William Towlere is listed. This spelling variation, with the addition of the "-er" suffix, further solidified the surname's connection to the occupation.

The Towler surname was also present in the Hundred Rolls of Bedfordshire from 1279, which recorded landowners and tenants at the time. This suggests that some individuals with this surname may have held positions of modest prominence in their local communities.

One notable individual bearing the Towler name was Sir John Towler, a 15th-century English knight who served as a member of the Privy Council during the reign of King Henry VI. He was born around 1410 and died in 1472.

Another significant figure was William Towler, a 16th-century English merchant and shipowner from Bristol. He was involved in the early voyages of exploration and trade to the Americas, and his ships played a role in the establishment of English colonies in the New World.

In the 17th century, the Towler surname appeared in the parish records of Warwickshire, where a family by the name of Towler resided in the village of Aston Cantlow. One member of this family, Richard Towler, was born in 1624 and became a prominent landowner in the area.

During the 18th century, the Towler surname was present in various parts of England, with notable individuals including John Towler, a successful businessman from Yorkshire who was born in 1712 and made his fortune in the textile industry.

In the 19th century, the Towler surname continued to be found across England, with individuals such as William Towler, a prominent architect from London who was born in 1823. He designed several notable buildings, including the Royal Dramatic College in London.

Throughout its history, the Towler surname has been associated with a range of occupations and backgrounds, from toll collectors and merchants to knights and landowners. Its origins can be traced back to the late 13th century in England, where it emerged as an occupational surname related to the collection of tolls and taxes.