Gypping in the Marsh - the Murray Connection

Visitors to Gypping in the Marsh are often surprised, not only by the fact that they have found their way to the village, but also by the fact that so many of the villagers share the same surname: Murray.

Whether you take a walk around the village and look up at the shop signs, wander around the churchyard investigating the gravestones, or pick up the local telephone directory, the surname Murray is everywhere you look.

The 14th Earl of Gypping

The proponderance of villagers called Murray can be largely attributed to the efforts of the 14th Earl of Gypping, who undertook his duty of producing sons and heirs with perhaps a touch too much exuberance. The Earl had sired so many sons by the end of his life that it was inevitable that the name Murray would become widespread throughout the village and the surrounding area.

Gypping in the Marsh has always been an isolated village and the locals have long shown a reluctance to move away. This, together with the relatively small number of outsiders coming to live in the village has ensured the continued popularity of the Murray name.

Another notable aspect of naming conventions in Gypping in the Marsh is the number of men called Gilbert. This christian name is traditionally bestowed on the first-born child within a family of Murrays, in honour of the 14th Earl, who was also called Gilbert. This tradition has meant that Gypping in the Marsh is the only part of the United Kingdom where Gilbert is a popular choice of girl's name.

A medieval church tomb inscribed HERE LIETH BURIED THE BODY OF GILBERT

The 16th Century tomb of an early Gilbert Murray, Saint Bodkin's church

Present day Murrays are proud to be able to trace their line of descent all the way back to the line of the Earls of Gypping, and often comment on how nice it is to have so many relations in the same village.

The Passing of the 1973 Marriage Bylaw

Following a petition that was signed by 87% of all villagers in 1973, a local bylaw was passed to ensure that local customs were reflected in the laws of the land. As a result of this, residents of Gypping in the Marsh are now able to marry their immediate siblings without breaking any laws.