Name change by "deed poll"?

I'm helping my girlfriend trace her family history in
England. (We're in the US.) A few years ago, I mentioned in
this group that her great-great-grandfather was born with
the surname "Jackson." changed it to "Jackson Hartley" some
time after he was married, and then changed it again to just
"Hartley" (which is my girlfriend's surname) some years
later. (This all happened in the latter half of the 19th
century.)

During the discussion here, one or two people in this group
speculated that one reason for such a name change might have
been at the request (possibly accompanied by payment) of the
wife's father, who may have wanted to continue the family
name but who had no sons. I was also told by several people
that no legal documentation of any kind would have been
required to effect these name changes.

I was rereading "The Magus" recently, and one of the

"We found he had left me nearly all his money on
condition that Bill changed his name by deed-poll to de
Seitas."

If I'm interpreting this passage correctly (and if it's not
complete fiction), it sounds like, although no legal
document is *required* for a name change, a legal document
is *possible* -- and may indeed be advisable if an
inheritance is involved and you want to ensure that the
change is effected when you're no longer around to enforce
it.

So, my questions are:

* What's a deep-poll?

* How commonly would deep-polls have been used for name
changes in the 19th century?

* What can I do to try to determine whether a deed-poll was
used in the situation I'm researching (and find a copy of
said deed-poll)?

Stuart Cresswell...

My great-great-great grandfather changed his name (from CROFT to
HUDDLESTON) because he was the residuary legatee of his godfather's
will. His godfather George HUDDLESTON made the condition in his will
that George CROFT could inherit only if he took the name and arms of
HUDDLESTON. George HUDDLESTON the godfather died in 1784 but because of
life interests the residue did not vest until 1819.

In this case the name change was done by Royal Licence (signed by the
Prince Regent) and nottice of it was published twice in the London
Gazette (once incorrectly and once correctly!). The grant of arms was
made by the College of Heratlds. I have both documents.

My understanding is that in Britain you can use any name you like (with
few exceptions) but a deed poll (note spelling) is a way of making sure
that it is recorded officially. It is possible that some pedantic
organisations may insist of such a record. In theory though all you need
to do is to tell your friends, relations and those with whom you do
business that you wish to be known as Xxxx Yyyy in future.

Steve Hayes...

In practice, however, you might spend an awful lot of time talking to
jobsworths in banks, electricity accounts departments, motor licensing
authorities and so on.

Hence the popularity of deeds poll.

Thanks for your help!