Although thought to be of German descent the name Robinson has been popular in Britain for centuries. According to one source, some Robinsons, seemingly unable to support Henry VIII fled to Ireland but some say were followed by Oliver Cromwell. Those who stayed were thought to have had little choice but to adhere to new rules; though some, possibly priests, nuns and other religious, wouldn’t agree to renounce their faith, and according to history were tortured by various means. In parts of Ireland, according to another source, priests were murdered and their heads put on spikes. All remembered on All Saints Day