This name is of English locational origin from a place in Cheshire called Astbury, recorded as Esteburi circa 1100 in the Pipe Rolls of that county, and as Asteburi circa 1180. The name derives its first element from the Olde Engish pre 7th Century "east" meaning "east", plus "burh", a fortified town. The surname is well recorded in Cheshire Church Registers from the early 17th Century. On November 30th 1633, Roger Astbury married Ann Shawe in Prestbury. The variant spelling Asbury first appears at the beginning of the 18th Century, (see below). On May 6th 1724, Katherin Asbury and Samuel Crane were married in Chester and on August 5th 1770 Joan, daughter of Peter and Ann Asbury, was christened in Davenham. The Coat of Arms being red, a fesse between three silver mullets (knights spurs), indicating one of knightly stature who was sincere and loyal in command. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Mary Asbury married John Evans, which was dated June 21st 1709, in Nantwich, Cheshire, during the reign of Queen Anne, known as the Last Stuart Monarch, 1702 - 1714. 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.