Crosse History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe name Crosse is part of the ancient legacy of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is a product of when the family lived as dwellers at a cross or crucifix. The surname Crosse originally derived from the Old English word crosse, which means cross. 1 2 3 Early Origins of the Crosse familyThe surname Crosse was first found in Lincolnshire. The name was first found to be in the southern English counties of Lincolnshire, Buckingham, and Oxfordshire, about the year 1250. By the year 1340 the most important branch of the name had moved northward to Lancashire, and established manors and estates at Crosse Hall, just outside Liverpool. This branch also moved into the Cross of Ledsham to the south in the county of Cheshire. The Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379 included: Johannes del Crosse; Johanna del Crosse; and Andreas de la Croys while the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 still had a few Latin entries for the family: Jordan ad Crucem, Buckinghamshire; Humfrey de Cruce, Oxfordshire; and Conan ad Crucem, Lincolnshire. 3 The name is "rare or absent in the northern counties, and in the south coast counties. Mostly confined to the east centre of England and to the adjacent coast counties between the Wash and the Thames." 4 In Norfolk, Thomas atte-cross, was Rector of Bexwell, Norfolk (no date given) 5 In Lancashire, Richard del Crosse was found there in the Assize Rolls of 1285 and later William atte Cros was listed in the Subsidy Rolls for Suffolk in 1327. 6 Early History of the Crosse familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Crosse research. Another 74 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1590, 1606, 1609, 1610, 1613, 1616, 1621, 1627, 1630, 1632, 1633, 1641, 1646, 1650, 1655, 1660, 1662, 1664, 1671, 1672, 1674, 1680, 1682, 1683, 1686, 1689, 1691, 1698, 1700, 1718, 1724, 1738, 1762 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Crosse History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Crosse Spelling VariationsThe first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Crosse has been spelled many different ways, including Cross, Crosse, Croce, Crosce, Croise, Croice and others. Early Notables of the Crosse familyNotables of this surname at this time include:
Migration of the Crosse family to IrelandSome of the Crosse family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Crosses to arrive in North America: Crosse Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
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: Cruce dum spero fido Motto Translation: Whilst I have breath I confide in the cross.
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