Bulstrode

Bulstrode is a surname and a place name of English origin, used in various historical and literary contexts. The name is associated with a number of historic estates and families in England, and has appeared in fiction as a surname for fictional characters.

Bulstrode Park is the most prominent geographic use of the name. It is a historic country house near Gerrards Cross, in Buckinghamshire, England. The estate has medieval roots and has been rebuilt and expanded over the centuries, reflecting changing architectural styles. It has historically been the residence of local landowners bearing the Bulstrode name and remains a notable landmark in the region.

In literature, the name Bulstrode is notably used for the character Mr. Bulstrode in George Eliot’s novel Middlemarch (published 1871–72). He is a wealthy, devout, and politically influential banker whose past and moral choices influence events in the town and contribute to the novel’s exploration of reputation, power, and integrity. The character is a focal point for themes of hypocrisy and social responsibility within the narrative.

As a surname, Bulstrode appears in historical records and has been borne by various individuals over time, though it remains relatively uncommon. The name has also been used in the naming of other properties and places in England, reflecting its long-standing association with landholding and local history.