This surname is derived from the name of an ancestor. 'the son of Taillefer,' i.e. cutiron. This surname seems to have originally flourished in the Lowlands, and to have worked its way across the border into Northumberland. The corruption into Telford must not lead us astray, although it looks distinctly local. 'Thomas Telford, the great engineer, used to say, "When I was ignorant of Latin, I did not suspect that Telfor, my true name, might be translated, 'I bear arms and, thinking it unmeaning, adopted Telford "' (Lower). In the neighbourhood of Newcastle the two forms are common, and in recent generations either form was used by people of the same stock. John Taylfar, in 1558, obtained a grant from the Bishop of Durham of the reversion of the office of seneschal in the cities and boroughs of Gateshead, Durham, &c, expectant on the death of Christopher Browne (PPP. ii. 334). This is the earliest instance I can find in the district On Nov. 1, 1696, twenty-eight people were drowned at Canoubie, after attending church. Reference is made to one in an inscription in the churchyard:

'Here lyes George Tealfer, who died in the water, Nov. the 1, 1696, being the Lord's day, as they were going home from the Kirk': Trans. Cumb. and Westm. Ant. and Arch. Soc.Stolen from Fore bears

The famous Taillefer of the battle of Hastings will be familiar to the reader. Lower says that Tailzefer was the Scotch form in the 16th century. compare Gulliver and Gulliford.

William Tailefer, Kent, 1273. Hundred Rolls.

Taylthe Frenchde Wyncestre, Hertfordshire., 20 Edward I: Placita de Quo Warranto, temp. Edward I-III.

From Telfer with accretionary d. Margaret Telfuird in Ponfeich, parish of Carmichael, 1674 (Lanark CR.). Thomas Telford (1757-1834), the engineer, when he first attended school was registered as Telfer. Tellfoord 1728.

For Telfor.

The real name of Telford the engineer was Telfor.

I find no locality so called. Thomas Telford, the great engineer, used to say-"When I was ignorant of Latin, I did not suspect that Telfer, my true name, might be translated, "I bear arms," [Tela fero?] and, thinking it unmeaning, adopted Telford." See Telfer.

Local. The narrow or straightened pass or way, from the Welsh tel, tight, and ford, a way. Anglo—Saxon, Tillford, at the ford or shallow place in a river. "At—ill—ford,"corrupted to Tilford.

For Telfer: hence the eminent engineer Telford.