LEECH tribes around the world

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LEECH Family History

This interesting surname has two distinct possible sources, each with its own history and derivation. Firstly, Leach may have originated as an occupational name for a physician, from the Olde English pre 7th Century "laece", one who practises healing, a physician. The above meaning was brought about as a result of the medicinal use of the leech for healing by blood-letting. The surname may, however, also have been a nickname from the bloodsucking creature, denoting a particularly demanding person, one eager to extract maximum advantage from a given situation. A quotation from Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" reads: "The divel made a reve to preche, Or of a souter a shipman, or a leche"...

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Can you support one of our Heritage Pilot Projects in your region of origin or linked to you surname(s)? We have THREE live pilots on now and we just need pledges from people to help with donations and fundraising.

Project one is a smart upgrade to The Pirate Queen, Grace O’Malley’s home on Clare Island, County Mayo to make it a ‘must visit’ tourist attraction.
Project two is a new ‘must visit’ Heritage Centre attract more Tourists to Carrick-on-Suir in County Tipperary.
Project three is a new Enterprise Centre in Carrick-on-Suir in County Tipperary.

If you would like to help with a donation pledge, or help fundraise, just submit your email here and we will send you more information on the projects and detail on how you can help.