This famous name originates in the very beginning of Welsh (British) history. It derives from the Gaelic personal name Caradoc, itself a derivative of the Ancient "Caractacus", the Chief of the Britons whose bravery was such that his life was spared by the Emperor of Rome, Claudius, Circa 50 AD. The site of his capital was believed to be Caer Caradoc in Shropshire, as may have been Ceredigion (Cardigan). The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of William Craddoc which was dated 1205, in the "Worcester Pipe Rolls" during the reign of King John, known as "Lackland", 1199 - 1216. 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.