Clarkesown History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland
Scotland

The rich and ancient history of the Clarkesown family name dates back to the time of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It comes from the popular family name Clark, and means the son of Clark. The surname also has an occupational origin and was likely derived from the trade or profession of the original bearer. In this case the surname denotes that the bearer was a clerical worker or a clergyman who was employed in religious institutions to write books from old documents. The bearers of this surname were handed high status in the community because of their ability to read and write. One must remember that during the Middle Ages most of the population was quite illiterate by today's standards.

Early Origins of the Clarkesown family

The surname Clarkesown was first found in Yorkshire where it is "a well-known Yorkshire surname, which has spread over the North of England." 1

The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 list: Johannes Clerke and Thomas Clerkson, father and son; Ricardus Clerkson; Wilielmus Klereson; and Alicia Clerkson. 1

By the early 15th century, the name appeared in Scotland. "Thomas Clerkson de Aldane was a forestaller in Aberdeen in 1402. Simon Clerici (Latin) witnessed an instrument of resignation in Brechin in 1434, and a booth was set to Besse Clerkson in Lanark in 1488." 2

Early History of the Clarkesown family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Clarkesown research. Another 167 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1300, 1500, 1501, 1504, 1513, 1531, 1567, 1615, 1622, 1649, 1667, 1685, 1686, 1697, 1716, 1721 and 1763 are included under the topic Early Clarkesown History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Clarkesown Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Clarkesown have been found, including Clarkson, Clarksone, Clerkson and others.

Early Notables of the Clarkesown family

Notables of the family at this time include Agnes Clarkson who in the 'Test' in lowland Scotland refused to acknowledge the King or his church and was hanged for Witchcraft. David Clarkson (1622-1686), was an ejected minister, son of Robert Clarkson, was born at Bradford...
Another 44 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Clarkesown Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Clarkesown family to Ireland

Some of the Clarkesown 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 Clarkesown family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Among the first immigrants of the name Clarkesown, or a variant listed above to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were : Anne Clarkson who settled in Virginia in 1638 with Jane, her sister; Richard Clarkson arrived in Jamaica in 1685; Charles Clarkson arrived in Fort Cumberland Nova Scotia in 1774..

Citations +

Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)