Show ContentsTorrbech History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Torrbech is a name that came to England in the 11th century wave of migration that was set off by the Norman Conquest of 1066. Torrbech comes from the ancient Norman given name Terbert.

Early Origins of the Torrbech family

The surname Torrbech was first found in Lancashire where they held a family seat from very ancient times at Tarbock, after the Norman Conquest in 1066. They were descended from the Baron Richard, brother of Sir Robert Fitzhenry, founder of Burscough Priory. " Henry de Tarbock or Torbock, who was early the lord of Tarbock, Roby, Huyton, Knowsley, and other manors, had two sons. The elder of these, Robert, was sometimes distinguished by the Norman patronymic FitzHenry, which the English rendered Harrison, and sometimes was denominated from his principal residence, de Lathom; while Richard, the other son, inheriting Tarbock, designated himself from that estate." 1

Early History of the Torrbech family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Torrbech research. Another 130 words (9 lines of text) covering the year 1606 is included under the topic Early Torrbech History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Torrbech Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years the English language had no fixed system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations occurred commonly in Anglo Norman surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Torrbech were recorded, including Tarbock, Tarbocks, Tarbox, Tirebuck, Torbock, Tarbuck, Tarbux and many more.

Early Notables of the Torrbech family

More information is included under the topic Early Torrbech Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Torrbech family

The unstable environment in England at this time caused numerous families to board ships and leave in search of opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad in places like Ireland, Australia, and particularly the New World. The voyage was extremely difficult, however, and only taken at great expense. The cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels caused many to arrive diseased and starving, not to mention destitute from the enormous cost. Still opportunity in the emerging nations of Canada and the United States was far greater than at home and many went on to make important contributions to the cultures of their adopted countries. An examination of many early immigration records reveals that people bearing the name Torrbech arrived in North America very early: Mary Tarbuck settled in Maryland in 1745; Richard Tarbutt settled in Virginia in 1663; John Tarbux settled in Lynn, Massachusetts in 1631.



  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.


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