Albastre History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe name Albastre was brought to England in the wave of migration that followed the Norman Conquest of 1066. It is a name for a arbalester, a person who either built or operated a 12th century variation of the medieval European crossbow named "arbalest." Derived from the Medieval French term, it actually dates back to Roman times when the crossbow was referred to as a "arcuballista." Early Origins of the Albastre familyThe surname Albastre was first found in Norfolk, where they held a family seat after 1066. Early History of the Albastre familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Albastre research. Another 209 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1140, 1198, 1273, 1278, 1296, 1565, 1567, 1624, 1640 and 1700 are included under the topic Early Albastre History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Albastre Spelling VariationsBefore English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, Norman French and other languages became incorporated into English throughout the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Albastre include Arblaster, Arblast, Alablaster, Alabaster, Allblaster, Arbalistrius, Arbalistarius, Albalistarius, Arbelestre, Aleblaster, Allyblaster, Arbalister, Arbelaster and many more. Early Notables of the Albastre familyOutstanding amongst the family at this time was Geoffrey Arbalister, a prominent 12th century landholder in Essex; and William Alabaster (also Alablaster, Arblastier) (1567-1640), an English poet... Migration of the Albastre familyIn England at this time, the uncertainty of the political and religious environment of the time caused many families to board ships for distant British colonies in the hopes of finding land and opportunity, and escaping persecution. The voyages were expensive, crowded, and difficult, though, and many arrived in North America sick, starved, and destitute. Those who did make it, however, were greeted with greater opportunities and freedoms that they could have experienced at home. Many of those families went on to make important contributions to the young nations in which they settled. Early immigration records have shown some of the first Albastres to arrive on North American shores: who migrated to North America before the 19th century and contributed to the development of a new society.
|