This very unusual name is topographical and derives from the Middle English 'Cosshe', meaning 'one who dwells at a small cottage'. The surname development has included: (1327) Robert atte Cossh recorded in Essex in the time of King Edward III 1327-1377, whilst later variants of the name include, Mary Coash, St. Benets Church, London 1582, John Coshe of Sturminster Marshall, Dorset (1568) and John Coasse (1604), Stepney, London. In 1737 Mary Coash was recorded at Tarrant Hinton, Alice Coarse at St. Dunstans, Stepney (1731) and William Coase (1841), St. Martins in the Field, Westminster. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Roger de Coyssh. which was dated 1296 The Pipe Rolls of Sussex. during the reign of King Edward I 'The Hammer of the Scots' 1272-1307. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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