First found in Leicestershire where they held a family seat from early times.

The unstable environment in England at this time caused numerous families to board ships and leave in search of opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad in places like Ireland, Australia, and particularly the New World. The voyage was extremely difficult, however, and only taken at great expense. The cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels caused many to arrive diseased and starving, not to mention destitute from the enormous cost. Still opportunity in the emerging nations of Canada and the United States was far greater than at home and many went on to make important contributions to the cultures of their adopted countries. An examination of many early immigration records reveals that people bearing the name Spencer arrived in North America very early: Thomas Spencer settled in Virginia in 1623; William Spencer settled in Cambridge Massachusetts in 1630; Thomas Spencer settled in Maine in 1630; Peter and John Spencer settled in Barbados in 1635.

Motto Translated: God defends the right.

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