Show ContentsFlinders History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Flinders family

The surname Flinders was first found in Warwickshire where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor. The Saxon influence of English history diminished after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The language of the courts was French for the next three centuries and the Norman ambience prevailed. But Saxon surnames survived and the family name was first referenced in the year 1191 when Euerdai Flanders held estates.

Early History of the Flinders family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Flinders research. Another 100 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1154, 1455 and 1487 are included under the topic Early Flinders History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Flinders Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Flinders were recorded, including Flanders, Flandres, Flinders, Flindres and others.

Early Notables of the Flinders family

More information is included under the topic Early Flinders Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Flinders migration to the United States +

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Flinders family emigrate to North America:

Flinders Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Saml. Flinders, who arrived in New York in 1831

Australia Flinders migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Flinders Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Janet Flinders, aged 23, a servant, who arrived in South Australia in 1856 aboard the ship "Duchess of Northumberland"

Contemporary Notables of the name Flinders (post 1700) +

  • Matthew Flinders (1774-1814), English captain in the Navy, hydrographer and discoverer, born on 16 March 1774 at Donington, near Boston in Lincolnshire; he led the second circumnavigation of New Holland that he would subsequently call "Australia" or "Terra Australis" 1


  1. Wikisource contributors. "Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900." Wikisource . Wikisource , 4 Jun. 2018. Web. 30 June 2020


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