Turnes

The surname TURNES has its origins in medieval England, dating back to the 13th century. It is believed to be a locational name, derived from the Old English words "turn" and "hers," meaning a person who lived near a turning or bend in a road.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Hundred Rolls of Bedfordshire from 1273, where a William Turners is mentioned. This suggests that the name was already established in that region by the late 13th century.

In the 14th century, the name appeared in various forms, such as Turnhers, Tornors, and Turnours, reflecting the variations in spelling and pronunciation common in that era. The Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire from 1327 list a John Tornour, while the Poll Tax Records of Yorkshire from 1379 include a William Turnhers.

The TURNES surname is also linked to several place names in England, including Turners Hill in West Sussex and Turners Puddle in Dorset. These locations likely took their names from individuals with the surname who resided there or owned land in those areas.

One notable historical figure with the surname was John Turnes, a wealthy merchant and landowner who lived in Bristol during the 15th century. Records show that he was involved in the wool trade and owned properties in the city.

Another prominent individual was Sir Edmund Turnes, a military commander who fought in the Wars of the Roses in the late 15th century. He is mentioned in several contemporary chronicles for his role in the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, where he supported the Lancastrian cause.

In the 16th century, the surname is found in various records, such as the Lay Subsidy Rolls of Oxfordshire from 1524, which list a Thomas Turnes. The Musters of Gloucestershire from 1542 also include a William Turnes among the list of able-bodied men.

During the 17th century, the TURNES name appeared in the parish records of several English counties, including Essex, Hertfordshire, and Warwickshire. One notable bearer was Robert Turnes, a Puritan minister who was active in the English Civil War and served as a chaplain in the Parliamentary army.

In the 18th century, the TURNES surname continued to be found across England, with records such as the Marriage Registers of Yorkshire from 1711 listing a union between a John Turnes and Mary Wilkinson.

Throughout its long history, the TURNES surname has been borne by individuals from various walks of life, including merchants, soldiers, clergymen, and landowners. Despite its locational origins, the name has spread across different regions of England and beyond, reflecting the mobility and dispersal of families over the centuries.