Oldcroft

This is an unusual spelling of an English topographical and locational name which derives either from a place of residence, the dweller at the Old Cottage (Shelter) or from the village of Oldcoates in Nottingham. This place name was first recorded as Ulecotes in 1199 (King Richard 1, The Lionheart) and later in 1232 as Ulecote, the name meaning "The place of Owls". The name spelling is found in a wide range of alternatives from Oldcote, Oldcroft Aldcott, to the apparently Scottish only variant Ouldcott, although all have the same origins and meaning. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Mary Oldcote, which was dated 1607, Baptised at St. Mary Magdalene, London, during the reign of King James 1, of England and V1 of Scotland, 1587 - 1625, Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.