Private Acts of Parliament used to change a name

Private Acts were so named as they passed powers or benefits to individuals or bodies rather than the general public.  Parliament’s role was to arbitrate between the promoters of these Private Acts and those affected by their projects, as well as to take account of the public interest.

Changes of name by Act of Parliament were usually made because of a requirement for receiving an inheritance.

Since it became possible to change name by deed poll, it has been very uncommon to use an Act of Parliament — the last time it happened was in 1907.

Chronological list of Private Acts of Parliament changing a person’s name since 1539

This is a complete list of Private Acts of Parliament which changed a person’s name, from 1539 to the present.

Year and Chapter No	Title of Act
1627 (3 Cha. 1). c. 4	Earl of Arundel’s title, name, dignity and estate.
1700 (12 & 13 Will. 3). c. 25	Change of Ellis Mew’s surname to the surname St. John.
1706 (6 Ann.). c. 2	Henry Neville: change of name to Grey.
1708 (7 Ann.). c. 2	Edward Yard: change of surname to Sainthill according to Samuel Sainthill’s will.
1708 (7 Ann.). c. 3	Anne Offley and her son John: change of surname to Crewe according to settlement of John Crewe, deceased.
1712 (12 Ann.). c. 23	Enabling Symes Parry to change his name of Parry to Symes.
1716 (3 Geo. 1). c. 27	Roger Strafford: change of surname to Wollacombe, according to the will of Roger Wollacombe.
1716 (3 Geo. 1). c. 8	John Barrington, alias Shute: change of surname to Barrington, pursuant to the settlement of Francis Barrington, deceased.
1717 (4 Geo. 1). c. 1	George Bubb: change of surname to Dodington.
1718 (5 Geo. 1). c. 6	William Glanville: enabling him to take the surname of Glanville instead of Evelyn, pursuant to the will of William Glanville.
1719 (6 Geo. 1). c. 19	John Rosier: change of surname to Reynolds.
1722 (9 Geo. 1). c. 4	William Sheppard: change of surname to Hall, according to the will of William Hall, Serjeant-at-Law, deceased.
1722 (9 Geo. 1). c. 5	Timothy Watts of Burbage (Leicestershire): change of name to Saint Nicholas, according to the will of Bazil Saint Nicholas, of Knowle (Warwickshire).
1722 (9 Geo. 1). c. 6	John Smith: enabling him to take and use the surname of Dickenson, according to the will of John Dickenson.
1723 (10 Geo. 1). c. 13	Adding the surname Tylney to the descendants of William Lord Craven and Anne, his wife, sole daughter and heir of Frederick Tylney.
1724 (11 Geo. 1). c. 2	William Ball: enabling him and his heirs to use the surname Basil.
1724 (11 Geo. 1). c. 26	Enabling John Phillips and his issue to take the surname Goodwin.
1724 (11 Geo. 1). c. 27	Simon Thorogood: change of name to Lord.
1724 (11 Geo. 1). c. 3	Thomas Leigh alias Pennington: change of surname to Leigh, according to the settlement of Peter Leigh, deceased.
1726 (13 Geo. 1). c. 4	Thomas Brodnax: enabling him to take the surname of May.
1726 (13 Geo. 1). c. 5	Charles Nicoll alias Gounter: enabling him to take the surname Nicoll pursuant to the deed of settlement of William Nicoll, deceased.
1726 (13 Geo. 1). c. 6	John Disbrow: enabling him to take the surname Spencer.
1727 (1 Geo. 2 St. 2). c. 1	Robert Ellison: enabling him to take the surname Carre, according to the will of his uncle Francis Carre.
1728 (2 Geo. 2). c. 26	Enabling James Moore and his issue male to take the surname Smythe, according to the will of William Smythe, and vesting in trustees £2,316 16s. 10d. South Sea Annuities, part of William Smythe’s estate, to be sold for certain purposes.
1728 (2 Geo. 2). c. 29	Humfrey Warley Birch: enabling him and his issue male to take the surname Wyrley, pursuant to the deed of settlement made on the marriage of Peter Birch to the daughter of Humfrey Wyrley (deceased).
1728 (2 Geo. 2). c. 30	Arthur Geoghegan alias Stafford: change of name to Stafford only.
1729 (3 Geo. 2). c. 10	Obliging the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort and her children to take the additional surname and bear the arms of Scudamore, pursuant to a settlement made by James late Lord Scudamore and vesting in the Duke in fee the manors of Wickhall and Ditton Camois and lands in Cambridgeshire, late the estate of Lord Scudamore, in lieu of the portion provided by him for his daughter, the said Duchess, and other provisions.
1730 (4 Geo. 2). c. 32	Godfrey Kneller Huckle: enabling him to take the surname Kneller.
1730 (4 Geo. 2). c. 4	Richard Claridge: enabling him and issue to take the surname Turner.
1732 (6 Geo. 2). c. 18	Thomas Warden: enabling him and his heirs and others to use the surname Sergison.
1732 (6 Geo. 2). c. 22	Thomas Bawtry’s estate: settlement in his surname and blood and making his will more effective for that purpose.
1732 (6 Geo. 2). c. 27	Enabling Richard Child, Lord Castlemain and his heirs and those others who shall be in possession of estates settled by Frederick Tylney to take the surname Tylney.
1733 (7 Geo. 2). c. 18	Joseph Wyndham: enabling him and his issue male to take the surname Ashe, pursuant to the will of Dame Mary Ashe.
1733 (7 Geo. 2). c. 4	Walter Calverley: change of name to Blackett only, pursuant to the will of Sir William Blackett.
1734 (8 Geo. 2). c. 16	William Toller Treffrey: change of name to Treffrey only, pursuant to a deed of settlement of John Treffrey, deceased.
1734 (8 Geo. 2). c. 2	Younger sons of the Duke of Rutland: enabling them and their issue to use the name of Sutton, pursuant to the will of Robert, Lord Lexington.
1734 (8 Geo. 2). c. 3	John Child, Lord Castlemain: enabling him, his heirs and any others in possession of certain estates settled by Frederick Tylney to take the name Tylney.
1735 (9 Geo. 2). c. 1	John Harrison (an infant): change of name to Newport, pursuant to the direction of Henry, late Earl of Bradford (deceased).
1735 (9 Geo. 2). c. 20	Charles Herbert: enabling him and his issue to take the name Sheffield pursuant to the will of John, Duke of Buckinghamshire and Normanby.
1735 (9 Geo. 2). c. 21	Reginald Pyndar: enabling him and his heirs male to take the surname and arms of Lygon pursuant to the settlement of William Lygon, deceased.
1735 (9 Geo. 2). c. 22	William Berkley: enabling him and his issue male to take the name Portman only.
1735 (9 Geo. 2). c. 23	Robert Kendall: enabling him and his issue to take the surname and arms of Cater.
1735 (9 Geo. 2). c. 24	John Shales: enabling him and his heirs to take the surname Barrington, pursuant to the will of Sir Charles Barrington, deceased.
1735 (9 Geo. 2). c. 25	George Smith: enabling him and his heirs to take the surname Allgood only pursuant to the will of George Allgood, deceased.
1735 (9 Geo. 2). c. 26	Robert Phillips: enabling him and his issue male to take the surname Lee, pursuant to the will of Robert Lee, deceased.
1735 (9 Geo. 2). c. 27	John Gilbert: enabling him and his heirs male to take the surname and arms of Cooper, pursuant to the will of John Cooper of Thurgarton, deceased.
1735 (9 Geo. 2). c. 3	Bartholomew Richard Lutley: change of name to Barneby, pursuant to the will of John Barneby.
1735 (9 Geo. 2). c. 32	Enabling John Cooke to take the name Freeman, pursuant to the will of William Freeman, and enabling him to make leases of the estates devised by the said will.
1736 (10 Geo. 2). c. 1	Anthony James: enabling him, his heir male and others to use the surname Keck, pursuant to the will of Anthony Keck.
1736 (10 Geo. 2). c. 29	Edward Mountfort: enabling him and his issue male to take and use the surname of Grosvenor.
1736 (10 Geo. 2). c. 8	Enabling Sir Jacob des Bouverie and John des Bouverie and their issue and Elizabeth des Bouverie to take the surname Bouverie, pursuant to the desire of Jacob des Bouverie, and Sir Christopher des Bouverie deceased.
1736 (10 Geo. 2). c. 9	John Harvey: enabling him to take the surname and arms of Thursby, pursuant to the will of William Thursby.
1737 (11 Geo. 2). c. 23	William Meux: enabling him and his heirs male to take the surname Massingberd, pursuant to a settlement made by Sir William Massingberd.
1737 (11 Geo. 2). c. 24	Thomas May: enabling him and his sons and their heirs male to take the surname Knight, pursuant to the will of Elizabeth Knight.
1738 (12 Geo. 2). c. 11	John Mould: enabling him and his issue male to take the surname and arms of Moore, pursuant to the will of John Moore.
1738 (12 Geo. 2). c. 12	John Crouch: enabling him and his heirs male to take the surname Pyke, pursuant to the will of John Pyke.
1738 (12 Geo. 2). c. 13	Charles Gregory: enabling him and his issue male to use the surname Wade.
1738 (12 Geo. 2). c. 14	Risley Brewer: enabling him and his heirs to use the surname and arms of Risley, pursuant to the will of Paul Risley.
1738 (12 Geo. 2). c. 33	John Bell: enabling him and his issue to take the surname Lane and the arms of James Viscount Lanesborough, deceased, pursuant to his will.
1739 (13 Geo. 2). c. 5	Thomas Bettesworth: enabling him and his heirs male to take the surname Bilson, pursuant to the will of Leonard Bilson.
1740 (14 Geo. 2). c. 15	John Rice: enabling him and his heirs to take the surname Tutt, pursuant to the will of John Tutt, deceased.
1740 (14 Geo. 2). c. 16	Edward Burnaby (an infant): enabling him and his heirs male to take the surname Greene, pursuant to the will of Thomas Greene, and other provisions.
1740 (14 Geo. 2). c. 17	Francis Thistlethwaite: enabling him and his heirs male to take the surname Whithed, pursuant to the will of Richard Withed.
1741 (15 Geo. 2). c. 1	Enabling Alexander Popham and his heirs to take the surname Luscombe, according to the will of Richard Luscombe.
1741 (15 Geo. 2). c. 10	Enabling Buckland Bluett and his heirs to take the name Nutcombe, according to the settlement made by Richard Nutcombe, deceased.
1741 (15 Geo. 2). c. 17	Enabling Percy Wyndham and the other devisees of Henry Earl of Thomond and Viscount Tadcaster to take the surname Obrien.
1741 (15 Geo. 2). c. 18	Enabling William Morden and his heirs male to take the name and arms of Harbord, pursuant to the desire of Harbord Harbord, deceased.
1741 (15 Geo. 2). c. 41	Enabling John Dashwood, William Payne, their issue and the other devisees of the estate of John King to take the surname King only.
1741 (15 Geo. 2). c. 45	Enabling John Hopkins and his descendants to take the surname Probyn, pursuant to the will of Sir Edward Probyn.
1741 (15 Geo. 2). c. 7	Enabling Sir Clement Cotterell and the other devisees of the real estate of James Dormer, deceased, to take the surname Dormer.
1741 (15 Geo. 2). c. 8	Making the exemplification of the wills of John Pigott and his son John Pigott evidence in all British and Irish courts and enabling John Biggs to take the surname Pigott.
1741 (15 Geo. 2). c. 9	Enabling John Rolle and his heirs to take the name and arms of Walter, according to the will of Sir Robert Walter.
1742 (16 Geo. 2). c. 22	Enabling Henry Compton and his issue male and descendants to take the surname Willis, pursuant to the will of Eleanor Bave.
1742 (16 Geo. 2). c. 23	Enabling Edward Rookes to take the surname of Leeds only, pursuant to the will of Robert Leeds.
1742 (16 Geo. 2). c. 24	Enabling Crayle Bellamy to take the surname Crayle.
1743 (17 Geo. 2). c. 22	Confirming to Henry Hervey, his wife and their issue male the surname and arms of Aston, pursuant to a settlement made by Sir Thomas Aston, deceased.
1743 (17 Geo. 2). c. 27	Extending time limited by Sir Francis Leicester’s will for sale of real estate of Sir John Byrne in Ireland and enabling Sir Peter Byrne to use the surname Leicester.
1743 (17 Geo. 2). c. 6	Enabling Edward Clarke and James Stewart Clarke to take the surname Stewart, pursuant to the will of James Stewart.
1743 (17 Geo. 2). c. 7	Enabling Randle Hopley of Overton (Cheshire) and his issue to take the surname Dod, pursuant to the will of William Dod.
1743 (17 Geo. 2). c. 8	Enabling John Caswall to take the Christian and surname of Giles Whitehall,
1744 (18 Geo. 2). c. 3	Confirming and establishing on John Pate and his issue male the surname Rose.
1744 (18 Geo. 2). c. 4	Enabling George Marquis of Annandale to use the surname and arms of Vanden Bempde, pursuant to the will of John Vanden Bempde.
1744 (18 Geo. 2). c. 8	Confirming to William Beauchamp and his heirs the surname Proctor, according to the will of George Proctor.
1745 (19 Geo. 2). c. 15	Enabling Henry Crabb to take the surname Boulton, pursuant to the will of Richard Boulton.
1745 (19 Geo. 2). c. 2	Enabling Sir Wyndham Knatchbull and his heirs male to take the surname and arms of Wyndham, pursuant to the will of Thomas Lord Wyndham.
1745 (19 Geo. 2). c. 23	Walter Ramsden: change of name to Hawksworth, pursuant to the will of Sir Walter Hawksworth.
1745 (19 Geo. 2). c. 28	Sir William Duckinfield: change of surname and arms to Daniel, pursuant to the will of Sir Samuel Daniel.
1745 (19 Geo. 2). c. 3	Enabling Richard Alie and his heirs male to take the surname Leman, pursuant to the will of Sir William Leman.
1746 (20 Geo. 2). c. 1	Enabling Richard Waynhouse and his heirs male to take the surname Emmott and no other, pursuant to the will of Christopher Emmott.
1746 (20 Geo. 2). c. 30	Enabling Thomas Bushell and his descendants to take the surname and arms of Fettiplace.
1746 (20 Geo. 2). c. 7	Enabling Lillie Smith and his heirs by his wife Valentina (formerly Valentina Aynscombe) to take the surname Aynscombe, pursuant to the will of Thomas Aynscombe.
1746 (20 Geo. 2). c. 8	Enabling Edmund Dring to take the surname and arms of Garforth.
1747 (21 Geo. 2). c. 29	Enabling Richard Weddell, lately Elcock, and issue to take surname and arms of Weddell pursuant to Thomas Weddell’s will, and empowering him to lease estates devised by the will.
1747 (21 Geo. 2). c. 4	Enabling James Stanley, Lord Strange, and his issue to take the surname Smith and to bear the arms of Smith and Heriz.
1747 (21 Geo. 2). c. 8	Enabling Robert Burton, late Lingen, and heirs male to take surname of Burton.
1748 (22 Geo. 2). c. 12	Enabling Charles and Frances, his wife, Fitz Roy to take additional surname and bear the arms of Scudamore.
1748 (22 Geo. 2). c. 13	Authorising Thomas Harrison to take surname of Kimpson.
1748 (22 Geo. 2). c. 14	Enabling Joseph Foster to take surname of Barham.
1748 (22 Geo. 2). c. 2	Enabling John Griffin Whitwell to take surname and arms of Griffin.
1748 (22 Geo. 2). c. 3	Enabling Samuel Grundy to take surname and arms of Swinfen.
1748 (22 Geo. 2). c. 38	Enabling Robert Lynch to take the name of Blosse.
1748 (22 Geo. 2). c. 47	Authorising Thomas Brereton to take surname of Salusbury.
1749 (23 Geo. 2). c. 14	Hugh Earl of Northumberland’s name and arms.
1749 (23 Geo. 2). c. 8	Enabling Roger Mortlock to take surname and arms of Pettiward.
1749 (23 Geo. 2). c. 9	Enabling Beckford Kendall to take surname and arms of Cater.
1750 (24 Geo. 2). c. 17	Securing a jointure for Barbara, wife of Eaton Mainwaring Ellerker, raising portions for younger children and confirming and establishing Ellerker’s name, arms and crest.
1750 (24 Geo. 2). c. 2	Enabling Samuel Smith to take surname of Holworthy.
1750 (24 Geo. 2). c. 29	Enabling William Leybourne, formerly Leybourne Taylor, to take surname of Leybourne.
1750 (24 Geo. 2). c. 3	Enabling John Heath to take surname and arms of Duke.
1750 (24 Geo. 2). c. 30	Enabling James Langston, formerly Haughton, to take surname of Langston.
1750 (24 Geo. 2). c. 31	Enabling John Fenwick, lately Wilson, to take the name of Fenwick.
1750 (24 Geo. 2). c. 43	Enabling John Fitz Maurice to take surname of Petty.
1750 (24 Geo. 2). c. 44	Enabling Richard King Stubblefield to take surname of King.
1750 (24 Geo. 2). c. 7	Enabling George Lane to take surname and arms of Lane pursuant to James Lord Viscount Lanesborough’s will, for enrolling the will and making its exemplification evidence in all British and Irish courts.
1750 (24 Geo. 2). c. 8	Enabling Thomas Smith to take surname and arms of Panuwell.
1751 (25 Geo. 2). c. 1	George Oxenden’s name.
1751 (25 Geo. 2). c. 28	Richard Chandler’s name.
1751 (25 Geo. 2). c. 29	John Cave’s name.
1751 (25 Geo. 2). c. 30	Michael Archer’s name.
1753 (26 Geo. 2). c. 2	John Peploe’s name.
1753 (26 Geo. 2). c. 3	Abraham Carleton’s name.
1753 (26 Geo. 2). c. 30	John Latchmore’s name.
1754 (27 Geo. 2). c. 1	John Granger’s name.
1754 (27 Geo. 2). c. 13	John Inskip’s name.
1755 (28 Geo. 2). c. 31	John Freston’s name.
1755 (28 Geo. 2). c. 32	Samuel Killican’s name.
1755 (28 Geo. 2). c. 33	Alexander Ready’s name.
1755 (28 Geo. 2). c. 34	Theodore Henry Brinkman’s name.
1755 (28 Geo. 2). c. 35	Wenman Robert’s name.
1755 (28 Geo. 2). c. 36	William Lowndes' name.
1755 (28 Geo. 2). c. 37	Christopher Soulsby’s name.
1755 (28 Geo. 2). c. 38	Harbottle Grimston’s name.
1756 (29 Geo. 2). c. 11	Robert Mynors' name.
1756 (29 Geo. 2). c. 12	William Wiggett’s name.
1756 (29 Geo. 2). c. 41	John Riley’s name.
1756 (29 Geo. 2). c. 42	James Leigh’s name.
1756 (29 Geo. 2). c. 53	John Thornhaugh’s name.
1757 (30 Geo. 2). c. 1	Oliver Cramer’s name.
1757 (30 Geo. 2). c. 19	Thomas Turner’s name.
1757 (30 Geo. 2). c. 2	Thomas Collier’s name.
1757 (30 Geo. 2). c. 58	Samuel Jackson’s name.
1757 (30 Geo. 2). c. 59	James Newsam’s name.
1757 (31 Geo. 2). c. 17	Charles Bagot’s name.
1758 (32 Geo. 2). c. 11	Christopher Codrington’s name.
1758 (32 Geo. 2). c. 12	Confirming, establishing and continuing Richard Wilbraham’s name.
1758 (32 Geo. 2). c. 13	Thomas Peckham’s name.
1758 (32 Geo. 2). c. 14	John Coant’s name.
1758 (32 Geo. 2). c. 29	Repeal of an Act concerning Charles Bagot’s name (1757 (31 Geo. 2) (c. 17)) and for explaining, altering and better carrying into execution the agreement therein mentioned.
1758 (32 Geo. 2). c. 58	Arthur Hill’s name.
1758 (32 Geo. 2). c. 59	Robert Dobyns' name.
1759 (33 Geo. 2). c. 15	James Hammet’s name.
1759 (33 Geo. 2). c. 16	Henry and Robert Stoffold’s name.
1759 (33 Geo. 2). c. 17	Samuel Hallet’s name.
1759 (33 Geo. 2). c. 18	Thomas Lewis' name.
1759 (33 Geo. 2). c. 31	John Coopey’s name.
1759 (33 Geo. 2). c. 68	William Russell’s name.
1760 (1 Geo. 3). c. 3	Charles Cooke’s name.
1762 (2 Geo. 3). c. 17	Lady Francis Hanbury Williams' name.
1762 (2 Geo. 3). c. 18	John Hase’s name.
1762 (2 Geo. 3). c. 66	William and Edward Richard’s name.
1762 (2 Geo. 3). c. 67	Charles Loraine’s name.
1763 (3 Geo. 3). c. 20	Anne Barbara Hill Medlycott’s name.
1764 (4 Geo. 3). c. 31	Richard Peers' name.
1764 (4 Geo. 3). c. 55	John Carter’s name.
1765 (5 Geo. 3). c. 114	Jeremiah Rayment the younger (and issue): change of name and arms to Hadsley, pursuant to the will of Robert Hadsley.
1765 (5 Geo. 3). c. 13	Richard Hancorn: change of name and arms to Duppa, pursuant to the will of Baldwin Duppa.
1765 (5 Geo. 3). c. 14	William Ager (and issue): change of name to Turner.
1765 (5 Geo. 3). c. 15	John Jennings: change of name to Smith.
1765 (5 Geo. 3). c. 16	William Metcalfe: change of name and arms to Marwood, pursuant to the will of Jane Turner.
1765 (5 Geo. 3). c. 17	William Neville Blondeau (and issue): change of name to Hart.
1765 (5 Geo. 3). c. 18	Benjamin Francis Tribe: change of name to Poole, pursuant to the will of Elizabeth Ludwell.
1765 (5 Geo. 3). c. 55	Brigg Price (and issue): change of name to Fountain, and licence to bear the arms of Sir Andrew Fountain, deceased.
1766 (6 Geo. 3). c. 36	Robert Brice: change of name and arms to Kingesmill.
1766 (6 Geo. 3). c. 84	Richard Burton: change of name and arms to Philipson, pursuant to the will of John Philipson.
1766 (7 Geo. 3). c. 16	Sir Thomas Delves: change of name to Broughton.
1766 (7 Geo. 3). c. 17	Thomas Hotchkis: change of name and arms to Littler, pursuant to the will of Thomas Littler.
1766 (7 Geo. 3). c. 18	Sarah Aylon: change of name and arms to Tyrell.
1767 (7 Geo. 3). c. 114	Joseph Moyle: change of name and arms to Copley, pursuant to the will of Lionel Copley.
1767 (7 Geo. 3). c. 41	Richard Bennet: change of name and arms to Coffin, pursuant to the will of Richard Coffin.
1767 (7 Geo. 3). c. 42	Thomas Swettenham: change of name and arms to Willis, pursuant to the will of Daniel Willis.
1767 (7 Geo. 3). c. 52	Earl and Countess of Strathmore and Kinghorne: licence to use the name Bowes, only, pursuant to their marriage settlement and the will of George Bowes.
1767 (7 Geo. 3). c. 67	John Willis (and issue): change of name and arms to Fleming, pursuant to a settlement made by Richard Fleming.
1768 (8 Geo. 3). c. 10	Judith Paul (and issue): change of name to Saint Paul.
1768 (8 Geo. 3). c. 2	James Shuttleworth the younger (and issue): change of name and arms to Holden, pursuant to the will of Robert Holden.
1768 (8 Geo. 3). c. 28	Thomas Killborn, and issue male: change of name to Burrowes, pursuant to the will of John Borrowes.
1768 (8 Geo. 3). c. 29	Thomas Jenner (an infant) and issue: change of name to Worge, pursuant to the will of George Worge.
1768 (8 Geo. 3). c. 3	John Grundy: change of name and arms to Swinfen.
1768 (8 Geo. 3). c. 4	Reverend Ralph Drake (and issue): change of name and arms to Brockman, pursuant to the will of James Brockman.
1768 (8 Geo. 3). c. 54	Reynold Thomas (an infant): change of name to Deeres, pursuant to the will of Reynold Deere.
1768 (8 Geo. 3). c. 9	John Wallinger (formerly Arnold) and issue: continuing, establishing and confirming the name and arms of Wallinger, pursuant to the will of John Wallinger.
1769 (9 Geo. 3). c. 106	William Mosely (and issue): change of name and arms to Walsh, pursuant to the will of William Walsh.
1769 (9 Geo. 3). c. 107	Naturalization of Samuel Canale and his issue, and change of name and arms to Thorold.
1769 (9 Geo. 3). c. 37	Reverend John Wood and sons: change of name to Davies, pursuant to the will of Reverend John Davies.
1769 (9 Geo. 3). c. 38	Stephen Payne, and issue: change of name and arms to Gallway, pursuant to the will of Tobias Wall Galway.
1769 (9 Geo. 3). c. 4	Henry Thomas Greening: change of name to Gott, pursuant to the will of Mary Gott.
1770 (10 Geo. 3). c. 1	Lord George Sackville (and issue male): change of name to Germain, pursuant to the will of Lady Elizabeth Germain.
1770 (10 Geo. 3). c. 15	William Harwood (and issue): change of name to Backwell pursuant to the will of William Backwell.
1770 (10 Geo. 3). c. 16	William Head (a minor) and issue: change of name to James and licence to bear the arms of John James, deceased.
1771 (11 Geo. 3). c. 24	Thomas Lord Ducie (and issue): change of name to Moreton, and licence to bear the arms of Matthew, Lord Ducie, deceased, pursuant to his will.
1771 (11 Geo. 3). c. 25	Samuel Pitchford: licence to use the surname and arms of Sir Samuel Cornish, pursuant to his will.
1771 (11 Geo. 3). c. 26	Thomas Grundy (and issue male): change of name to Swinfen.
1771 (11 Geo. 3). c. 27	William Mackenzie and David and John Gravier: change of name and arms to Godfrey.
1771 (11 Geo. 3). c. 33	Enabling Francis Charteris (formerly Wemyss), and certain others, and their heirs male, to retain, assume and sign the name of Charteris, bear its arms and hold a certain estate notwithstanding the descent to them of the honour and title of Wemyss or any other honour or title.
1772 (12 Geo. 3). c. 48	Mary and William Hutton and others: licence to take the name, arms and crest of Long, pursuant to the will of James Long, deceased.
1772 (12 Geo. 3). c. 49	Reginald Pole: licence to take and bear the name and arms of Carew, pursuant to the will of Sir Coventry Carew.
1772 (12 Geo. 3). c. 7	Henry Dashwood (and issue): change of name and arms to Peyton, pursuant to the will of Sir Thomas Peyton.
1773 (13 Geo. 3). c. 47	Robert Athorpe Blanchard: change of name to Athorpe only, pursuant to the will of Henry Athorpe.
1773 (13 Geo. 3). c. 72	Edward Gregge: change of name and arms to Hopwood, pursuant to the will of Robert Hopwood.
1774 (14 Geo. 3). c. 10	Thomas Jones’s name.
1774 (14 Geo. 3). c. 112	George Dickerdine: change of name and surname to Rice Fellowe, and licence to bear the arms of Fellowe, pursuant to the will of Rice Fellowe.
1774 (14 Geo. 3). c. 37	Thomas Asheton and sons: change of name to Smith, pursuant to the will of William Smith.
1774 (14 Geo. 3). c. 38	Henrietta Charlotte Keck (and issue): change of name and arms to Tracy, pursuant to the will of Robert Tracy.
1774 (14 Geo. 3). c. 84	John Medows: change of name and arms to Theobald, pursuant to the will of Elizabeth Theobald.
1775 (15 Geo. 3). c. 18	John Plomer: change of name and arms to Clarke, pursuant to the will of Richard Clarke.
1775 (15 Geo. 3). c. 6	James Styth’s name.
1776 (16 Geo. 3). c. 38	Francis Ferrand Moore’s name.
1776 (16 Geo. 3). c. 39	Edward John Andrews Cockayne’s name.
1776 (16 Geo. 3). c. 87	Amendment of an Act concerning John Medows' name (1774 (14 Geo. 3) (c. 84)).
1777 (17 Geo. 3). c. 132	William Dutton’s name and arms and making the exemplification of James Lenox Dutton’s will and codicil evidence in all British and Irish courts.
1777 (17 Geo. 3). c. 133	Isaac Martin Rebow’s name.
1777 (17 Geo. 3). c. 19	John Eames' name.
1777 (17 Geo. 3). c. 48	Jervoise Clarke’s name.
1777 (17 Geo. 3). c. 83	William Kilborn’s name.
1778 (18 Geo. 3). c. 106	Edmund Bunney’s name.
1778 (18 Geo. 3). c. 113	James Rumball’s name.
1778 (18 Geo. 3). c. 22	Walter James Head’s name.
1778 (18 Geo. 3). c. 23	Charles Wyndham’s name.
1779 (19 Geo. 3). c. 21	Nathaniel Lee Acton’s name.
1779 (19 Geo. 3). c. 22	William House’s name.
1779 (19 Geo. 3). c. 43	John Raincock’s name.
1780 (20 Geo. 3). c. 33	James Godin’s name.
1780 (20 Geo. 3). c. 5	Richard Bourne’s name.
1780 (20 Geo. 3). c. 51	John Wright’s name.
1780 (20 Geo. 3). c. 52	Richard Gee’s name.
1781 (21 Geo. 3). c. 20	John Tripe: change of surname to Swete and licence to use its arms.
1783 (23 Geo. 3). c. 21	Richard Newman Harding’s name.
1783 (23 Geo. 3). c. 26	John Browne’s name.
1783 (24 Geo. 3 Sess. 1). c. 14	David Lewes: change of surname to Lloyd and licence to bear its arms.
1783 (24 Geo. 3 Sess. 1). c. 4	Honourable Richard Lumley’s name.
1785 (25 Geo. 3). c. 1	William Holden: change of name to Rose.
1785 (25 Geo. 3). c. 16	William Pemberton:change of name to Cludde and licence to bear its arms.
1785 (25 Geo. 3). c. 30	John Bridgman: change of name to Simpson and licence to bear its arms.
1785 (25 Geo. 3). c. 59	John Schrieber: change of name to Lateward and licence to use its arms.
1786 (26 Geo. 3). c. 10	Lord Ducie’s name.
1786 (26 Geo. 3). c. 16	George Crathorne: change of name toTasburgh and licence to use its arms.
1786 (26 Geo. 3). c. 6	Cornelius Salvidge’s name.
1788 (28 Geo. 3). c. 5	Ralph Browne Wylde: change of name to Browne.
1789 (29 Geo. 3). c. 2	Ralph Earle: change of name to Willis and licence to use its arms
1789 (29 Geo. 3). c. 22	Charles Buckworth: change of name to Shakerly and licence to bear its arms.
1789 (29 Geo. 3). c. 48	Arthur Roberts' name.
1790 (30 Geo. 3). c. 12	Thomas Watson’s name.
1790 (30 Geo. 3). c. 30	Sir John Riddell, change of surname to Buchanan, and Archibald Buchanan’s estate: vesting estates in Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire in trustees to be sold for discharging incumbrances and for purchasing land to be settled in lieu, and for other purposes.
1791 (31 Geo. 3). c. 39	Dame Jane Trafford: change of name to Southwell.
1791 (31 Geo. 3). c. 63	Henry Fane: change of name to Cholmley and licence to bear the arms of the Cholmleys of Whitby.
1791 (31 Geo. 3). c. 64	Edward Barrar: change of name to Acton.
1791 (31 Geo. 3). c. 65	Thomas Leigh: change of name and arms to Hare.
1791 (31 Geo. 3). c. 71	Baldwin Duppa Hancorn: change of name and arms to Duppa.
1791 (31 Geo. 3). c. 72	Baldwin Hancorn: change of name and arms to Duppa.
1792 (32 Geo. 3). c. 4	Gilbert Beckett: change of name and arms to Turner.
1792 (32 Geo. 3). c. 68	Nutcombe Quick: change of name to Nutcombe and ratification of conveyances made under that name.
1793 (33 Geo. 3). c. 1	Richard Vanden Bempdé, lately called Richard Bempdé Johnstone: use of name and arms of Vanden Bempdé only.
1793 (33 Geo. 3). c. 17	Naturalization of John Butcher’s name.
1794 (34 Geo. 3). c. 45	Sir George Shuckburgh: change of name and arms to Evelyn.
1794 (34 Geo. 3). c. 55	Thomas Brereton: change of name and arms to Westfaling.
1795 (35 Geo. 3). c. 44	Sir Henry Vane: change of name and arms to Tempest.
1797 (37 Geo. 3). c. 33	Denny Martin: change of name and arms to Fairfax.
1798 (38 Geo. 3). c. 8	Lord Braybrooke: change of name and arms to Griffin.
1799 (39 Geo. 3). c. 2	Thomas Jull: change of name and arms to Godfrey.
1800 (39 & 40 Geo. 3). c. 56	Justinian Kerry: change of name and arms to Ekin.
1801 (42 Geo. 3). c. 2	Honourable Barbara Medlycott’s name.
1802 (42 Geo. 3). c. 120	Reverend William Loggin’s name.
1804 (44 Geo. 3). c. 7	Reverend George Graves' name.
1805 (45 Geo. 3). c. 14	Daniel Woodward’s name.
1805 (45 Geo. 3). c. 3	Joseph Whateley’s name.
1808 (48 Geo. 3). c. 18	Reverend Thomas à Beckett’s name.
1809 (49 Geo. 3). c. 57	George Metcalfe’s name.
1811 (51 Geo. 3). c. 74	William Butcher: change of name to Rodbard and licence to bear its arms.
1813 (53 Geo. 3). c. 68	Reverend Benjamin Sanford: change of name to Winston and licence to bear arms.
1813 (53 Geo. 3). c. 78	John Willis’s name: change of name to Fleming and licence to bear arms.
1814 (54 Geo. 3). c. 4	Sir William Payne: change of name to Galwey and licence to bear arms.
1814 (54 Geo. 3). c. 58	John Roberts: change of name to Powell and licence to bear its arms.
1815 (55 Geo. 3). c. 103	Abraham Harford: change of name to Battersby and licence to bear its arms.*
1815 (55 Geo. 3). c. 105	Henry Thomas: change of name to Greene and licence to bear its arms.*
1815 (55 Geo. 3). c. 109	Charles Parker: change of name to Newdegate and licence to bear arms, and extinguishment of a rentcharge.*
1815 (55 Geo. 3). c. 82	Sir Henry Halford: confirming the use of the names and arms of Halford only.*
1817 (57 Geo. 3). c. 62	Edward Beevor: change of name to Lombe and licence to bear its arms.*
1818 (58 Geo. 3). c. 66	Susan Charteris, Dowager Lady Elcho: change of surname and arms to Tracy
1819 (59 Geo. 3). c. 72	Addison and Elizabeth Cresswell: change of name to Baker and licence to bear its arms.*
1825 (6 Geo. 4). c. 66	James Newport: change of name to Charlett and licence to bear its arms.*
1829 (10 Geo. 4). c. 64	John Barber: change of name to Garlick.*
1831 (1 & 2 Will. 4). c. 25	Joseph Chamberlayne Wilkinson Ackerley: change of name to Chamberlayne only and licence to bear its arms quarterly with his own.*
1831 (1 & 2 Will. 4). c. 26	John Goodlake: change of name to Surman.*
1831 (1 & 2 Will. 4). c. 31	Wenman Watson: change of name and arms to Samwell.*
1832 (2 & 3 Will. 4). c. 42	John Lockhart: change of name to Wastie, and licence to bear its arms.*
1834 (4 & 5 Will. 4). c. 37	James Thomas: change of name to Berry, and licence to bear its arms.*
1834 (4 & 5 Will. 4). c. 42	Frederick Lumley: change of name to Savile and licence to bear its arms.*
1836 (6 & 7 Will. 4). c. 42	Edward Hicks: use of name and arms of Hicks
1836 (6 & 7 Will. 4). c. 52	Authorizing Dame Mary Pilkington to change her name to Milborne Swinnerton Pilkington, Sir William and Dame Mary Pilkington to bear or quarter the arms of Swinnerton of Butterton and Milborne, and their second son, and his issue, to assume the name Milborne Swinnerton and to bear or quarter the said arms.*
1839 (2 & 3 Vict.). c. 48	William Beckett: change of name and arms to Turner.*
1841 (5 Vict.). c. 4	George Clayton: change of name and arms to Lowndes.*
1843 (6 & 7 Vict.). c. 30	Thomas Drought: change of name and arms to Samwell.*
1844 (7 & 8 Vict.). c. 43	Mary Bean and Edward and Charlotte Whitley: change of name to Rodbard, and licence to bear its arms.*
1845 (8 & 9 Vict.). c. 23	Sir Robert Dick: enabling him to feu and sell parts of the estates of Prestonfield and Corstorphine (Mid Lothian) and to bear the name and arms of Cunyngham of Lamburghtoun along with the name and arms of Dick of Prestonfield.
1854 (17 & 18 Vict.). c. 1	Sir William Milborne Swinnerton: change of name to Milborne Swinnerton Pilkington; partial repeal of the Act of 1836 [c. 52].*
1856 (19 & 20 Vict.). c. 5	Sir Lionel Milborne Swinnerton: change of name to Milborne Swinnerton Pilkington.
1859 (22 Vict.). c. 1	Charles and Lady Edith Clifton: change of name to Abney Hastings and licence to bear the arms of Abney and Hastings.
1907 (7 Edw. 7). c. [3]	Baines Name.*

The 1907 Baines Name Act was the last time someone used a private act of parliament to change their name.

Listing, Numbering and Annotations of Acts

Generally the table of Acts listed here uses the same layout and uses the same conventions as the Chronological Table of the Statutes.

Chapter numbers

The table follows the modern practice of distinguishing Public General Acts, Local Acts and Private/Personal Acts, whereby italicised Arabic numerals (e.g. c. 12) denote Private / Personal Acts.

This method of distinguishing the different series of Acts isn’t necessarily reflected in the texts of the Acts themselves.  Private Acts weren’t officially numbered in italic Arabic numerals until 1869.

In contrast to Public General and Local Acts the chapter numbers for most of the Acts listed in the table don’t relate to printed, published, texts and their function is therefore confined to providing an authoritative means of citation.  Until 1902 all the Original Acts in the Parliament Office — Public, Public General, Local and Private — were numbered in one sequence for each session, and in the House of Lords Record Office the sessional numbers are cross-referenced to the chapter numbers as listed in Ruffhead to enable the manuscript texts of the Acts to be identified for those wishing to see them.

Until 1713, and unless otherwise indicated, the chapter numbers of the Acts listed in the table are either those given in the lists of Private Acts in Statutes of the Realm or, where no such numbers are given, they follow the order in which the Acts are listed in that work.

Between 1876 and 1922 the small numbers of Private Acts which weren’t officially printed weren’t numbered by the Queen’s Printer.  To avoid uncertainty such Acts have been given Arabic numbers in square brackets in the table in a separate sequence from the official chapter numbers for the printed Acts, and in the order in which they’re listed in the annual volumes of Local and Private Acts concerned.

Titles of Acts

Where an Act has an official short title it is, so far as practicable, referred to by that title.  In other cases, and for the majority of the Acts listed in the table, the titles are modernised or abridged versions of the long titles of the Acts as they appear in the relevant sources.  It hasn’t, in general, been possible to examine the substance of the Acts themselves and as a result the table doesn’t record subjects which aren’t mentioned in the long titles.  Also, it hasn’t always been possible to provide meaningful entries for every Act.

In accordance with the convention used in the Chronological table of the Statutes, the title of an Act which has been wholly repealed is shown in italic type.  All other Acts are or may be in force.

Printing of the Acts

Until 1815, Private Acts were not officially printed (made available to the public).  Between 1815 and 1922, some Private Acts were printed but most Acts concerning changes of name weren’t.

Unprinted Acts since 1815 are marked in the table with an asterix (*).

Accessing copies of Private Acts

No Private Acts were officially printed before 1797, and many weren’t until 1815.  Since 1815 many change of name Acts were still not officially printed at all and the only available authoritative texts are the Original Acts in the Parliamentary Archives (formerly the House of Lords Record Office).

Therefore the best place to access copies of any Private change of name Act is the Parliamentary Archives .

You can access the Parliamentary Archives catalogue  online, but you will have to visit in person to view the Acts.

See their website for details of how to visit .

Contact Details for the Parliamentary Archives

Address:

• Parliamentary Archives
• Houses of Parliament
• London
• SW1A 0PW

E-mail: archives@parliament.uk

Phone: 020 7219 3074
Fax: 020 7219 2570