The name Rowsel reached England in the great wave of migration following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Rowsel family lived in Dorset. Their name, however, is a reference to Roussel, Normandy, the family's place of residence prior to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.
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Early Origins of the Rowsel family
The surname Rowsel was first found in Dorset where they held a family seat from very early times and were granted lands by Duke William of Normandy, their liege Lord, for their distinguished assistance at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 A.D.
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Early History of the Rowsel family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Rowsel research. Another 112 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1012, 1486, 1550, 1555, 1613 and 1700 are included under the topic Early Rowsel History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Rowsel Spelling Variations
A multitude of spelling variations characterize Norman surnames. Many variations occurred because Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules. The introduction of Norman French to England also had a pronounced effect, as did the court languages of Latin and French. Therefore, one person was often referred to by several different spellings in a single lifetime. The various spellings include Rowsell, Rowsel, Russell and others.
Early Notables of the Rowsel family
Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Sir John Russell, (c.1486-1555), lord high steward and lord keeper of the privy seal under Henry VIII and Edward VI, created 1st... Another 30 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Rowsel Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Rowsel family to Ireland
Some of the Rowsel family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Rowsel family
Many English families left England, to avoid the chaos of their homeland and migrated to the many British colonies abroad. Although the conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and some travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute, once in the colonies, many of the families prospered and made valuable contributions to the cultures of what would become the United States and Canada. Research into the origins of individual families in North America has revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Rowsel or a variant listed above: Jno Rowsell, who arrived in Virginia in 1670; George Rowsell, who settled in Barbados in 1685; John Rowsell, who came to Maryland in 1758; William Rowsell, on record in Toronto in 1850.
England
Ireland
