This is a Devon locational name which has attracted a number of spellings. It is of Olde English origin and derives from "Col", meaning "Coal or black" and "hol" a hollow or valley. The name is found throughout Devon although the early recordings suggest that if such a place existed it was in the Credition area. The "Col" would refer to charcoal burning and the name may be partly job descriptive. The name development included c.1570 Colleyhole at Tedbuirn St. Mary and as Collihole c.1605 at Shobrook Church, new Crediton. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Thomas Colhall. which was dated 1567, Christened at Crediton Church. during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, Good Queen Bess, 1558 - 1603. 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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