Enfield History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsWhen the ancestors of the Enfield family emigrated to England following the Norman Conquest in 1066 they brought their family name with them. They lived in the county of Berkshire, England. Early Origins of the Enfield familyThe surname Enfield was first found in Berkshire where they were Lords of the Manor of Englefield. "This parish, which comprises 1379a. 3r. 16p., derives its name from the Saxon word Ingle, a fire or beacon light; and probably had its origin about the middle of the ninth century, when the Danes, having made themselves masters of Reading, sent out a detachment from their army to attack the Saxons, who were encamped here, and who drove them back with great loss." 1 Gilbert and Stephen, held their land here from the Norman Chief tenant, Williams FitzAnsculf c. 1086. Enfield in a parish in the union and hundred of Edmonton, Middlesex. "This place is in Domesday Book called Enefelde, denoting its situation among fields, or in the felled part of a forest." 1 Early History of the Enfield familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Enfield research. Another 68 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Enfield History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Enfield Spelling VariationsThe English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason, spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Enfield has been recorded under many different variations, including Enfield, Emenfield, Enestfield, Enfeld, Endfield, Enefele, Inglefield and many more. Early Notables of the Enfield familyMore information is included under the topic Early Enfield Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
To escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Enfields were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: Enfield Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
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