This is a locational name from the hamlet of Thirwall, near Haltwhistle in Northumberland. The name is directly associated with the Roman (Hadrians) Wall and refers to a gap or probably a gate, (Olde English 'peor') in the wall. The origin is pre 7th century and maybe much earlier. The first name was the Lord of the Manor and for the period to 1460 all records follow the same family, however, in 1746 John Thirwall of London, married Hannah Ringrose at St. Georges Church, Hanover Square, London. Thomas Thirwall, who died 1827, was the Rector of Bowers Gifford, Essex and was an author whilst Connop Thirwall 1797-1875, son of Thomas, was not only an R.A. but Bishop of Melbourne in 1840. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Richard de Thurewall which was dated C.1260 The Pipe Rolls of Northumberland during the reign of King Henry 111 The Frenchman 1216-1272. 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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