The surname Freech was first found in Norfolk where Richard de la Fryth was recorded in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 in Norfolk. [1] Another source lists John atte Frithe in Norfolk but no date is given. [2]
Later, the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 listed Thomas atte Fryth. [1]
"Robert Firth was the name of two mayors of Doncaster [Yorkshire] in the reigns of Henry VII. and Henry VIII., and the name is still in the town." [3]
Further to the north in Scotland where most people claim descent, "there is a place named Firth near Lilliesleaf, Roxburghshire." [4] The name of this town in turn comes from the ancient word "firth" meaning "bay."
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Freech research. Another 169 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1379, 1522, 1565, 1606, 1630 and 1630 are included under the topic Early Freech History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
During the era when a person's name, tribe and posterity was one of his most important possessions, many different spellings were found in the archives examined. Freech occurred in many references, and spelling variations of the name found included Firth, Fyrth, Firthe, Firths and others.
More information is included under the topic Early Freech Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Gradually becoming disenchanted with life in Ireland many of these uprooted families sailed aboard the armada of sailing ships known as the "White Sails" which plied the stormy Atlantic. These overcrowded ships often arrived with only 60 to 70% of their original passenger list, many dying of illness and the elements, were buried at sea. In North America, early immigrants bearing the family name Freech, or a spelling variation of the surname include: