Show ContentsEastel History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Eastel family

The surname Eastel was first found in Kent at Eastwell, a small hamlet and civil parish in the Borough of Ashford that dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086 when it was listed as Estwelle. 1 The place name literally means "eastern spring or stream," from the Old English "east" + "wic." 2 The local St Mary's Church is an ancient structure, completely restored and beautified by the Earl of Winchilsea, in 1844. It contains a tomb in memory of Richard Plantagenet, son of King Richard III, and who, having fled there after the Battle of Bosworth, was protected by Sir Thomas Moyle, lord of the manor. Today the church is in ruin and is designated by English Heritage as a Grade II listed building. The surname is descended from the tenant of the village and lands of Eastwell, held by Norman Baron Hugh de Montfort, who was recorded in the Domesday Book.

Early History of the Eastel family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Eastel research. Another 86 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1273, 1279, 1469 and 1550 are included under the topic Early Eastel History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Eastel Spelling Variations

Before 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 Eastel include Eastell, Estwell, Eastwall, Estwall, Eastwel, Estwel, Easwell and many more.

Early Notables of the Eastel family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Richard Plantagenet or Richard of Eastwell (? 1469-1550) a reclusive bricklayer who claimed to be a son of Richard III, the last Plantagenet King of England. As a child he was visitied four times a year by a mysterious gentleman who paid for his upkeep. At...
Another 54 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Eastel Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Eastel family

In 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 Eastels to arrive on North American shores: the name represented in many forms and recorded from the mid 17th century in the great migration from Europe. Migrants settled in the eastern seaboard from Newfoundland, to Maine, to Virginia, the Carolinas, and to the islands..



  1. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  2. Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)


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