| ![Show Contents]() Windser History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Windser is a name of ancient Norman origin. It arrived in England with the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Windser family lived in Berkshire, at Windsor Castle. Interestingly, "The Stanwell family claim descent from Walter Fitz-Other (fl. 1087), who held that manor at the time of Domesday Book and was warder of Windsor Castle, whence he derived the name Windsor. His third son, Gerald de Windsor (fl. 1116), was constable of Pembroke Castle, and steward to Arnulf, Earl of Pembroke, in whose service he saw much fighting in Pembroke. He was sent to King Murtagh in Ireland to ask his daughter's hand for Arnulf, married Nest or Nesta, mistress of Henry I, and was father of William Fitzgerald, Maurice Fitzgerald (d. 1176), David (d. 1176), Bishop of St. David's, and Angharad, mother of Giraldus Cambrensis, the historian. It was from Gerald's eldest brother William that the Windsors of Stanwell claimed descent." 1 Early Origins of the Windser familyThe surname Windser was first found in Berkshire, where they were descended from William FitzOtho, who was son of Adalbert the second Duke of Lombardy. This Walter was given Windsor Castle by William, Duke of Normandy. His son, William Fitzwalter assumed the surname of the Castle. This was not the only time a family would assume the name of the castle as in 1917, the present Royal family would do the same. One of the first on records of the family was Sir William de Windsor, Baron Windsor (d. 1384), Deputy of Ireland, the son of Sir Alexander de Windsor of Grayrigg, Westmorland. "No connection has been proved between this family and that of the Windsors of Stanwell. " 1 Early History of the Windser familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Windser research. Another 128 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1178, 1360, 1381, 1445, 1467, 1513, 1541, 1543, 1624, 1627, 1687 and 1917 are included under the topic Early Windser History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Windser Spelling VariationsEndless spelling variations are a prevailing characteristic of Norman surnames. Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules, and the introduction of Norman French added an unfamiliar ingredient to the English linguistic stew. French and Latin, the languages of the court, also influenced spellings. Finally, Medieval scribes generally spelled words according to how they sounded, so one person was often referred to by different spellings in different documents. The name has been spelled Windsor, Winsor, Winzer, Winser, Wincer and others. Early Notables of the Windser familyOutstanding amongst the family at this time was Sir James Windsor (c.1360), ancestor of the Earls of Plymouth, First Baron Andrew Windsor (1467-1543), a courtier and army commander, and Miles Windsore (1541-1624), a British scholar and poet.Thomas Windsor, seventh Baron Windsor of Stanwell and...
Another 43 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Windser Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.  Migration of the Windser family to Ireland
Some of the Windser family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 39 words (3 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Windser familyTo escape the political and religious persecution within England at the time, many English families left for the various British colonies abroad. The voyage was extremely difficult, though, and the cramped, dank ships caused many to arrive in the New World diseased and starving. But for those who made it, the trip was most often worth it. Many of the families who arrived went on to make valuable contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families reveals a number of immigrants bearing the name Windser or a variant listed above: Robert Windsor, who came to Boston in 1631; Joshua Windsor, who arrived in Providence, Rhode Island in 1638; Marthah Windsor, who came to Nevis in 1660.
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.
Motto: Je me fie en Dieu
Motto Translation: I trust in God.
- Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
|
England
Ireland
