Scotland
EnglandAmong the all the peoples of ancient Scotland, the first to use the name Aclock were the Strathclyde-Britons. It was a name for someone who lived in the barony of Auchinleck in Ayrshire or from Affleck in Angus. [1]
"Richard of Auchinlec was juror on an inquest held in 1263 before the sheriff of Lanark. Nicholas of Haghenlek mentioned in 1292 is probably Nicol de Achithelege of the county of Are who rendered homage in 1296. Patrick de Aghleke of Lanarkshire who also rendered homage in 1296 appears again as Patrick de Achenlek, juror on inquest at Lanark in 1303, and is probably the Patrick de Auuynlec who witnessed resignation of the lands of Grenryg c. 1311." [2]
The surname Aclock was first found in Ayrshire and Angus. "In 1370 the lands of 'le Greynryg et de le Tathys' were resigned to Kelso Abbey by Adam de Aghynlek, Thomas of Awqwhynleke in 1436 witnessed a charter of lands in Peeblesshire, Adam Auchinlek had a safe conduct to travel in England in 1451, Andrew Athelek and James Athelek of Scotland petitioned for safe conducts in 1464, and in 1486 William Achlek appears as a friar preacher in Aberdeen." [2]
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Aclock research. Another 132 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1296, 1311, 1464, 1306 and 1499 are included under the topic Early Aclock History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
The variation in the spelling of Medieval names is a result of the lack of spelling rules in the English language prior to the last few hundred years. Before that time, scribes spelled according to sound, often varying the spelling of name within a single document. Aclock has appeared as Affleck, Athlyk, Athinkel, Auchlek, Athlek, Achleck, Achinfleck, Afleck, Authinlek and many more.
Another 47 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Aclock Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
As the persecution of Clan families continued, they sailed for North America in increasing numbers. In most cases, they found the freedom and opportunity they sought. Land was often available and the American War of Independence allowed Scots an opportunity to solidify their independence from the English crown. These settlers and their ancestors went on to play essential roles in the forging of the nations of the United States and Canada. Among them: Andrew Affleck who settled in Barbados in 1678; Thomas Affleck settled in Frederick County, Maryland in 1787; George, John, and Joseph Affleck, all settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania between 1872 and 1880.
