Origin of the surname Bellhouse

This unusual surname is of Olde English pre 7th century origins. It derives from the words 'bell hus', and describes either somebody who lived by a watchtower fitted with a bell, or more likely one who was responsible for manning the tower and operating the bell. The name is first recorded in Norfolk, see below, suggesting that at least in that very flat region, which in medieval times and earlier, was mainly low lying islands between the fens, the tower may have been a form of early light house as well as a watch tower.

What is certain is that all the early recordings come from counties with both strong seafaring traditions, and long memories. It was those areas of the East Coast which were usually the first to be attacked by the Vikings and other pirates of a rapacious nature, who roamed the seas in the 'dark ages'. The early recordings include such examples as Richard de Bellus, in the 1206 Pipe Rolls of Yorkshire, and Richard de Bellehus of Essex, in the Pipe Rolls of that county for the year 1230. Walter atte Belhous was recorded in Cambridge in 1266, and Richard de Belhouse, in Norfolk in 1368, in the reign of Edward 111 (1327 - 1377). Richard Belhowse was recorded at St James church, Clerkenwell, London, in 1590, whilst in 1771 John Bellhouse married Jane Butson at St Georges church, Hanover Square, London. It is believed that the spelling as 'Bellowes' is also a variant of Bellus, John Bellowes aged 12, being a passenger on the ship 'Hopewell of London' on June 15th 1635, bound for New England. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Ernald Belhus, which was dated 1167, the pipe rolls of the county of Norfolk, during the reign of King Henry 11, known as 'The church builder', 1154 - 1189. 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.

The surname Bellhouse. Genealogy, origin, history, meaning, and significance

Research into the possible origins of bellhouse leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname. The origin, the coat of arms or the different heraldic shields, and the bibliography in which the surname bellhouse is mentioned are part of this exciting investigation.

The surname Bellhouse around the world

There is a considerable probability that bellhouse has crossed the borders of its place of origin to establish itself, to a greater or lesser extent, in other parts of the world. With all the information we have today, it can be said that the countries where bellhouse is most abundant are the following. The list of countries with a higher presence of people with the surname bellhouse provides us with a perspective on the history of the surname, beyond its origins, focusing on its migrations.

History of Bellhouse

The deeds, the way of life, the places they lived, the family relationships they had, the jobs they held by those who were the first to be named bellhouse are found in every look back in the history of this lineage. For those like you, who are interested in the history hidden behind the surname bellhouse, it is essential to find all kinds of information, both direct and tangential, that helps to construct a solid narrative of how the birth and expansion of bellhouse developed.

It is common for genealogy and surname enthusiasts to provide us with information of special value, so the data we offer about the origins of bellhouse could be modified. We keep our website updated through our own research and also thanks to contributions from people like you, after verification; so if you have information about bellhouse and send it to us, we will update it on this website.

Notable Figures Named Bellhouse

We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname bellhouse, even though not all have been documented to our present day. Sadly, not all the contributions of those who bore the surname bellhouse were recorded by the chroniclers of the time. It is our desire to highlight in this section those individuals with the surname bellhouse who, for various reasons, have left their mark on the course of history.

The surname Bellhouse and its bibliographic sources

The bibliography collects information related to the surname bellhouse, which allows us to learn more about its meaning. The origin, history, coat of arms or different coats of arms, and the heraldry of bellhouse are recorded in a wide variety of sources and documents that are essential to know for better compilation.

SOURCES

These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of bellhouse, and at the same time, of surnames in general.

Origin of Bellhouse