Ledbury - Name

This is an ancient locational name from the settlement of Ledbury in Herefordshire. It is mentioned as a placename in the Domesday Book as 'Liedeberge'. Ledbury is on the River Leadon and it is probable that the original meaning of the placename was the fortress or castle ('bury' from the Old English pre 7th century 'burg') on the river, signified by the 'Le(a)d' in the name. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Ann Ledbury which was dated Christened, 17th April 1749 Bromyard, Herts. during the reign of King George II The Last Warrior King 1727-1760 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.