<<This is supposing that the spelling particularly important. Would it not have been the same as for the rest of spelling at that time, i.e. phonetical rather than adherence to a particular form?>> I think in the case of Crumpler and Crumplehere/Crumpelher the difference is not one merely of spelling, but of pronunciation. The earlier form has at least one more syllable, and I don't believe the -er suffix which appears in some surnames to indicate an occupation or relationship ever took an extended form. Matt

<<I think in the case of Crumpler and Crumplehere/Crumpelher the difference is not one merely of spelling, but of pronunciation. The earlier form has at least one more syllable, and I don't believe the -er suffix which appears in some surnames to indicate an occupation or relationship ever took an extended form.>> That might have been clearer if I'd said: '... an extended form like -lehere or -elher.' Matt