Billett History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsEarly Origins of the Billett familyThe surname Billett was first found in Devon where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor. The Norman influence of English history prevailed after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The language of the courts was French for the next three centuries and the Norman ambience prevailed. This Norman family name was first referenced in the 12th century when they held estates in that shire. They are believed to be descended from the French family Billet from Cote de Or. Early History of the Billett familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Billett research. Another 143 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1163, 1455, 1487, 1510, 1538, 1600, 1610, 1611, 1612, 1613, 1614, 1615 and 1616 are included under the topic Early Billett History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Billett Spelling VariationsBefore the advent of the printing press and the first dictionaries, the English language was not standardized. Sound was what guided spelling in the Middle Ages, so one person's name was often recorded under several variations during a single lifetime. Spelling variations were common, even among the names of the most literate people. Known variations of the Billett family name include Billett, Billet, Bylett, Byllot, Byllott and others. Early Notables of the Billett familyOutstanding amongst the family at this time was Robert Bylot fl. 1610-1616), English navigator, first mentioned as a seaman of the Discovery, in the expedition to the North-West under Hudson in 1610-1611. "His being rated as master's mate, and the jealousy which this promotion excited, were among the causes of the mutiny of the ship's company and the death of the captain. No blame seems to have been attributed to Bylot; and in 1612-1613 he was again employed under Button, who completed the exploration of Hudson's Bay. It seems probable that in 1614 he was employed with Gibbons...
To escape the political and religious chaos of this era, thousands of English families began to migrate to the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. The passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe; however, those who made the voyage safely were encountered opportunities that were not available to them in their homeland. Many of the families that reached the New World at this time went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations of the United States and Canada. Research into various historical records has revealed some of first members of the Billett family to immigrate North America: Billett Settlers in United States in the 17th CenturyBillett Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
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