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![Show Contents]() Godell History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Godell is a name of ancient Norman origin. It arrived in England with the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Godell family lived in Yorkshire, which was the largest county in northern England and was divided into three administrative ridings, North Riding, West Riding, and East Riding. It was bordered by the counties of Durham, Westmorland, Lancashire, Cheshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. The town of York was the military capital of Roman Britain, the capital of Northumbria, and was the seat of an Archbishop. Yorkshire was also the home of the House of York, which was an English royal dynasty from 1461 to 1485. The reigning members of the House of York were Edward IV, Edward V and Richard III. Their rivalry with the House of Lancaster resulted in the Wars of the Roses, which lasted from 1455 to 1485 and ended when the Lancastrian Henry VII united the two houses by marrying Elizabeth, the daughter of Edward IV. Early Origins of the Godell familyThe surname Godell was first found in West Riding of Yorkshire at Gowdall, a township, in the parish of Snaith, union of Goole, Lower division of the wapentake of Osgoldcross. 1 In the 12th century, this parish was known as Goodale, 2 3 and literally meant "nook of land where marigolds grow," from the Old English words "golde" + halh." 2 However, two sources claim the name was derived from "good hall." 4 5 The former also postulates it could have been derived from "good - ale." The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 have numerous entries of the family including: Villa de Goldale; Johannes Godhale; Ricardus de Goldall; and Johannes Godhall. Over in the East Riding of Yorkshire the Poll Tax of Howdenshire, again recorded in 1379 listed: Agnes Godhall; and Johannes Gudhall. 3 Early History of the Godell familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Godell research. Another 74 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1642, 1670, 1706, 1712, 1766 and 1967 are included under the topic Early Godell History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Godell 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 Goodall, Goodale, Godall, Godale, Goodell and others. Early Notables of the Godell familyOutstanding amongst the family at this time was Charles Goodall . (1642-1712), English physician, born in Suffolk in 1642, studied medicine at Leyden, and graduated M.D. at Cambridge 26 Nov. 1670...
Another 31 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Godell Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.  Migration of the Godell family to Ireland
Some of the Godell family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 37 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 Godell 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 Godell or a variant listed above: Abraham Goodale who settled in Boston Massachusetts in 1634; along with Isaac, Catherin, Mary (2); Robert Goodale settled in Salem in 1634; Thomas Goodale settled in Boston in 1716.
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: Toujours fidele
Motto Translation: Always faithful.
- Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
- Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
- Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
- Arthur, William , An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. London: 1857. Print
- Sims, Clifford Stanley The Origin and Signification of Scottish Surnames. 1862. Print.
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England
Ireland
