The surname of ASTLEY was of the locational group of surnames meaning 'one who came from ASTLEY' a chapelry in the parish of Leigh, County Lancashire, a chapelry in the county of Salop, five miles from Shrewsbury, and a parish in County Warwick, near Nuneaton. The earliest of the name on record appears to be John de Astley, who was recorded in County Salop in the year 1273. Surnames derived from placenames are divided into two broad categories; topographic names and habitation names. Topographic names are derived from general descriptive references to someone who lived near a physical feature such as an oak tree, a hill stream or a church. Habitation names are derived from pre-existing names denoting towns, villages and farmsteads. Other classes of local names include those derived from the names of rivers individual houses with signs on them, regions and whole countries. William de Astelegh, of County Lancashire was documented in 1332, and Edward Astleigh of Yorkshire, was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. Surnames as we know them today were first assumed in Europe from the 11th to the 15th Century. They were not in use in England or in Scotland before the Norman Conquest, and were first found in the Domesday Book. The employment in the use of a second name was a custom that was first introduced from the Normans. They themselves had not long before adopted them. It became, in course of time, a mark of gentler blood, and it was deemed a disgrace for gentlemen to have but one single name, as the meaner sort had. At first the coat of arms was a practical matter which served a function on the battlefield and in tournaments. With his helmet covering his face, and armour encasing the knight from head to foot, the only means of identification for his followers, was the insignia painted on his shield and embroidered on his surcoat, the flowing and draped garment worn over the armour. Later instances of the name mention George Astley of Heywood, County Lancashire, who was recorded in the Wills at Chester in 1573, and Richard Astley of Oxford, married Anne Gilborne at Westminster, London in 1622. Alexander Dusser and Sarah Astley were married at St. George's, Hanover Square, London in 1762. The associated coat of arms is recorded in Sir Bernard Burkes General Armory. Ulster King of Arms in 1884. Registered at Everley, County Wiltshire.