Towersey

This interesting surname of English origin is a locational name from a place called Towersey in Buckinghamshire meaning "The Island". Towersey Manor was held by Richard de Turs in 1252. The surname dates back to the late 16th Century, (see below). Further recordings include one Mary, daughter of John Towersie who was christened at Long Crendon on January 17th 1592, Walter Towersey who married Isabella East in London on April 23rd 1633, and William Towersey who married Shusanna Noble at St. Michael, Cornhill, on December 17th 1665. John, son of John and Barbara Towerzey, was christened on November 23rd 1679 at St. Sepulchre, London, and John, son of Richard and Ann Towersy, was christened on December 9th 1688 also at St. Sepulcre, London. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Rowland Towersie witnessed the christening of his daughter Joane, which was dated 1583, Long Crendon, Buckinghamshire, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth 1, "Good Queen Bess", 1558 - 1603. 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.