The ancestry of the name Birtch dates from the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. It comes from when the family lived in an area close to a birch tree which is derived from the Old English word Birce, which literally means birch. The family gave their name to the village of Birch in Lancashire.
The surname Birtch was first found in Lancashire at Birch, a district chapelry, in the parish of Manchester, union of Chorlton, hundred of Salford. "The chapel, dedicated to St. James, is supposed to have been originally built by a member of the family of Birch. Birch Hall, a seat of the Haverseges, passed from them to the Birches; and it is conjectured that the plans laid by James, Earl of Derby, for seizing Manchester for Charles I., were disconcerted by the councils of Col. Birch (1615-1691) and his compeers, held here." [1]
"In the reign of Edward II. the manor [of Birches in Cheshire] passed with the heiress of Nicholas de Birches, by marriage, to the Winningtons." [1]
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Birtch research. Another 46 words (3 lines of text) covering the years 1615, 1691, 1645, 1660, 1652, 1710 and 1691 are included under the topic Early Birtch History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Birtch have been found, including Birch, Birche, Burch, Berch and others.
Notables of the family at this time include John Birch, Bishop of Hereford; and Colonel John Birch (1615-1691), an English politician, Member of Parliament for Leominster (1645-1660), who fought for the Parliamentary cause in the English civil war. He "belonged to a younger...
Another 43 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Birtch Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Some of the Birtch family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 36 words (3 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.