Willmerson to Robinson - but why?

[Cockerpoo Dad]

My paternal FH has a family unit, coming from Whissonsett, going by the surname WILLMERSON (1861 Whissonsett census RG9/1244).

The family moves to North Yorks. In the 1871 Marske census (RG10/4852) the family goes by the surname ROBINSON and retains that name going forward.

But why? Why would a family totally change their surname? Did something happen in Whissonsett?

[CaroleW]

There is more than one Willmerson family in Whissonsett.  We would have to look at every one to find the ref you have given. Please post names & birthyears

[Cockerpoo Dad]

1861 (Whissonsett)
John Willmerson (Head) - 36
Maria Willmerson (Wife) - 30 (nee BISHOP)
John (son) - 6
Henry (son) - 5
(Ann) Amelia (daughter) - 2

1871 (Marske)
John Robinson (Head) - 46
Maria (Wife) - 40
John (son) - 16
Ann Amelia (daughter) - 12
Hannah (daughter) - 7
Fuller (son) - 4

Hannah is recorded as WILLINERSON in June Quarter of 1864 in Mitford. Mothers maiden name BISHOP
Fuller was registered as WILMERSON in Sept. Quarter of 1866 in Mitford. Mothers maiden name BISHOP.

[Pejic]

The usual reason was to claim an inheritance - any evidence of a change in circumstanceas?

[Cockerpoo Dad]

Change in circumstances?
Not that I’m aware of, other than drawn to North Yorkshire/ Teesside by the booming iron industry (as we’re pretty much all of my ancestors). Still remained labourers.

[CaroleW]

Marriage 1854 shows him as Williamson as per full GRO index

[amondg]

Did they take a family members name?
Needs research

There is a James Robinson who married a Mary Bishop 1866 registered Mitford

EDITED
Ignore above

Looking a t the original entry it's James Johnson to Maria Bishop transcription is wrong.

[amondg]

Something must have happened 1867.
All the children were baptised the same day 30 May 1867 at Whissonsett

John age 12   born 27 February 1855
Henry age 10  born 8 September 1856
Ann Amelia age 7    born 14 April 1859
Eliza  age 5    born 6 June 1862
Hannah
Fuller   born 25 July 1866
----------------
Hannah's has born 1 August 1866 bap 6 August 1866 PA 30 May 1867
but Hannah's birth was registered 1864  so the dates are off by 2 years.

[amondg]

What happened to Henry and Eliza they are not on the 1871 census in Yorkshire