It may possibly be considered an inquiry, rather curious than useful, to trace from the earlier periods of our history the practice of assuming Surnames and to ascertain at what time this custom became established in England. Of the various classes into which they may be divided, it is not my intention to speak, further than to notice, very briefly, the most obvious sources whence they were at first derived in this country. This branch of the subject would lead me into a much wider field than the present limits admit, and as it has already engaged the attention of different antiquaries, amongst whom Camden stands foremost, the reader, who may be tempted to inspect a minute classification of them, will find in his “Remaines” materials sufficiently copious to satisfy his curiosity.