This interesting surname is of English locational origin from either "Chilcote", a place in Leicester and Northamptonshire, from the old English "cilda cot", meaning "cot, dwelling of the retainers"; or "Chilcott", in Somerset, composed of the pre-seventh Century personal name "Ceola", from "Ceol", ship and the old English element "cot", hence "Ceola's cots or cottages". The Domesday Book of 1086, recorded Chilcote in Leicester and Northamptonshire as "Cildecote" while Chilcott in Somerset was listed as "Celioctan" in 1065, according to Wells. George Chilcot was christened at Milverton, Somerset on September 6th 1560, while at Stogumber, Somerset, William Chilcot was also christened. Nathaniel Chillcott married Elizabeth Tyllett at Wiveliscombe, Somerset on May 23rd 1576. John Chilcot of Tiverton was transported to the Barbadoes, from Bristol, onboard the "John Frigget", captained by William Stokes and containing ninety prisoners. Thomas Chilcot, a notable name bearer was organist of Bath Abbey in 1733, and composed songs and concertos. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Gilbert de Childecote, which was dated 1328, "Kirby's Quest for Somerset", during the reign of King Edward 111, "The Father of the Navy", 1327 - 1377. 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.

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