Boyte History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Boyte was first found in Suffolk where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor. The family name was first referenced in the year 1198 when Richard of Boitona held estates in that shire. 1

The parish of Boyton in Cornwall "is certainly of greater antiquity than it is of fame, on account of any singular productions or remarkable events. It is situated in the hundred of Stratton, is bounded on the north by Tamerton, on the east by the Tamar, on the south by Warrington, and on the west by North Petherwin. It was taxed in the Doomsday Survey under its present name of Boieton, or Boyeton; and some of its lands may be traced to their possessors at a period still more remote. On the origin of its name different opinions have been entertained. Hals has intimated that it is English Saxon; and, that taken in its literal signification, it means a town of boys, or a place very notable for young men. The manor of Boyton, which, during the times of our Saxon and Danish conquerors, had belonged to the rich abbey of Tavistock, was purchased out of the church property before the Norman Conquest, by Suetricius, who was abbot of that convent; from whom it was forcibly taken away by Robert Earl of Moreton, when the dominion of Cornwall was consigned into his hands; and by him it was held when Exeter Doomsday was taken." 2