Jaywick Martello Tower: The History of Surnames
Discover how our names have evolved over time with this talk at the Tower
Charlie Haylock will be at the Tower to talk about the Anglo-Saxon and Viking by-names and nicknames we had prior to the Norman Conquest. He will explain how and why surnames were introduced by the Normans, how they evolved after the Domesday Book in 1086AD, and the disruption it caused the English. Charlie will then enlighten us on the different types of various surnames, and give us their origins, their meanings and their derivation.
Tickets are £2.00 per talk or pay for all five talks in advance and get the final talk free. Refreshments provided.
Event details
Explore Essex
Search our parks and places to plan your perfect day out

Need to know
Explorer Pass
Save money with your Explorer Pass
Our annual Explore Essex Pass will give you and your family the freedom to explore some of the incredible places and green spaces that Essex has to offer, as many times as you like throughout the year, with free parking at seven country parks, 2 or 1 on Sky Ropes, priority booking on specific events, and 10% discounts at many cafes and visitor centres.
Related events

Jaywick Martello Tower: Creative Net - Creative Writing with David Brown
Free workshops on the first Wednesday of every month. Everybody welcome! Join David Brown for this exciting one-off workshop, you will get to explore experimenting with a variety of styles and ideas with a view of stimulating new content.
- Dates: February 4, 2026
- Venue: Jaywick Martello Tower
- Times: 11:00am - 1:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free

Jaywick Martello Tower: Great Arcana Journey
Discover the timeless wisdom and symbolism of the Major Arcana through stunning collages by Josie Staessen, inspired by the classic tarot Rider-Waite-Smith deck.
- Dates: February 18 - March 8, 2026
- Venue: Jaywick Martello Tower
- Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free

Jaywick Maretello Tower Spring Talks: The Quest for Quamstowe - Exploring judicial execution in medieval Essex
Join this talk by Simon Coxall to learn about medieval murder in Essex.
- Dates: February 27, 2026
- Venue: Jaywick Martello Tower
- Times: 11:00am - 12:00pm
- For adults
- Price: £3.00