Gossage History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Gossage was first found in Lancashire at Gosfordsich (later named Gorsuch.)

"Gorsuch was given by Walter de Scarisbrick to his younger son Adam, who took the local surname; subsequently the land was given to Burscough Priory to be held of Adam in free alms. The prior regranted it to Adam at a rent of 12d. with other lands in Scarisbrick, a yearly pound of cummin to be paid. Adam was succeeded by Walter de Gorsuch, probably his son, as is indicated by a grant to Nicholas son of Simon de Renacres."

"In May, 1292, an agreement was sealed for the marriage of Robert son of Walter de Gorsuch with Agnes granddaughter of William Brid of Donnington; Robert, though a minor, had been enfeoffed of lands by the prior of Burscough, his father binding the feoffees to find food and raiment for Robert and Agnes, any surplus to be kept for them and delivered with the lands on their coming of age. Robert seems to have died without issue, and his brother John succeeded, marrying in 1299 Cecily daughter of Richard de Culcheth. John de Gorsuch granted (about 1320) to Gilbert his son lands in the townfields of Scarisbrick on the north of land near the cross, held of William son of Richard de Scarisbrick." 1

Years later, John de Gosefordsik was listed in the Subsidy Rolls of Lancashire in 1332. 2 He held estates just outside Liverpool, near Ormskirk. 3 "The many variants are curious but natural. The 't' is intrusive; compare the Lancashire surname Gorse and Gorst, which represents one and the same name." 3 The family remained local to this area as almost three hundred years later in 1615, the Wills at Chester list "James Gorsuch, of Gorsuch, Scarisback, gentleman." 3 The same source also lists: James Gorsuch, of Ormskirk, 1605; Henry Gorsage, of Kirkdale, 1579; Peter Sant, of Gorstich, 1609; and Henry Gorstich, of West Derby, Liverpool, 1609. The Preston Guild Rolls of 1602 listed Edward Gorsuche. 3