I have this throught the "The Historical Research Center" " The english surname Barton is local in origin, being one of those surnames derived from the place where a man once lived or where he once held land. In this case the name is derived from the english term "barton" which originates in the two Old English wors "bere", meaning barley, and "tun" signifying and enclosure. This, in Old English the surname Barton meant "barley farm". In Middle Enlish times, however, the name came to signify a"demesne farm" kept for the lord's use." Also, according to the same agency, the earliest record of the name appears in the 11th century. I have no way of knowing what documentation this applies to althought some names are mentioned including Elizabeth Barton the so called "holy maid of Kent" who was executed by Henry the VIII. Best of Luck on your search Lea Barton