The surname of Butler is derived from the office of King’s Butler, which was conferred upon Theobald surnamed le Boteler by the King in 1177, and remained hereditary in his descendants for many generations. Many family histories of those surnamed Butler may descend from Theobald le Boteler.
The Butler surname may sometimes be derived from the Anglo-Saxon botel or botl, an abode or mansion ; and may also signify, like the recognized Botel-weard, a house steward, although this doesn’t make as much sense as the explanation above.
The name Boteler was in ordinary life a wine merchant or butler. The King’s boteler was an officer of considerable importance, almost the same as collector of customs in modern ports. In virtue of his office he was empowered to seize for the King’s use, from every ship laden with wine, one cask from the prow and one cask from the poop, paying for each the sum of twenty shillings.
The name of Robert le Butiler appears in the Hundred Rolls. The name is both official and occupative. In 1415 the York Pageant consisted of Pouchmakers, Botillers and cap-makers; all obviously engaged in the leather manufacture. The idea of a bottle as understood by our forefathers four hundred years ago was a leather case.
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