the first written record of the name "norfolk" is in the land books. it says: "at court houlden in the lower county of new norfolke the 15th may 1637 [present:] adam thorowgood esq.r". john sibsey, edward windham, william julian, francis mason and robert cramm were also present. thorowgood was commander and presiding justice of the two distinct parishes. he was an important figure in the early history of virginia beach.