Rombough History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland

Rombough is a name that dates far back into the mists of early British history to the days of the Anglo-Saxon tribes. It is derived from Rumbald, an Old German personal name. 1 This name came to England in the wake of the Norman Conquest in 1066, as King William encouraged the immigration from continental Europe of skilled tradesmen and artisans; many of these immigrants came from Germany. Saint Rumwold (Rumbold) was a medieval infant saint in England, said to have lived for three days in 662. He is said to have been full of Christian piety despite his young age, and able to speak from the moment of his birth, requested baptism, and delivered a sermon prior to his early death. Another Saint Rumbold (Rumold, Romuold) (died 775) was an Irish or Scottish Christian missionary who was martyred near Mechelen by two men, whom he had denounced for their evil ways. St. Rumbold's Cathedral is found in Mechelen, Belgium and it is here that his remains are generally thought to be buried.

One source claims the name was "a Norman family, styled Rimbaud or Rimboult, in the Duchy (See Rimboult), where it continued in the twelfth century. The Norman ancestor of the English and Norman lines was Rumbaldus, who held lauds in Gloucester 1086. Richard I. confirmed to Wickham Abbey, Essex, lands granted by Robert Rumbold. The latter was party to a suit, Essex, 1194, and in 1200 exchanged lands in Hertford. Walter Rembald is mentioned c. 1272. From this family descend the Baronets Rumbold." 2

Early Origins of the Rombough family

The surname Rombough was first found in the Domesday Book of 1086 where Rumbaldus is listed in Gloucestershire at that time. 3 Later, Roger Rumbald was listed in the Pipe Rolls of Essex in 1191 and in the Pipe Rolls of Cumberland (Cumbria) in 1195. In Hampshire, William Rumbol was listed in the Curia Regis Rolls of 1222 and William Rumbolt was found in the Subsidy Rolls for Cambridgeshire in 1327. 1

Rumbold's-Wyke (St. Rumbald), also named Rumboldswyke, a parish in Sussex, in the union of West Hampnett, hundred of Box and Stockbridge, rape of Chichester. St Mary's Church, on Whyke Road, an 11th century church can still be found here and is in good repair. 4

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 includes listings for: Roger Rumbold, Cambridgeshire; Adam Rumbald, Buckinghamshire; Reynebaud le Paumer, Norfolk; and Rombald Cosin, Oxfordshire. 5

"After the Dissolution, King Henry VIII, in the year 1545, granted the impropriate rectory (of Keteringham, Norfolk) to Robert Rumbold, alias Reynbald, and his heirs, to be held in capiu by knight's service; and in 1558, Anne wife of Benjamin Reynbald...had livery of it." 6 "To this day Rumball is a popular surname in Norfolk and Suffolk." 5

Early History of the Rombough family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Rombough research. Another 133 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1207, 1613, 1617, 1622, 1662, 1665, 1667, 1671, 1685, 1688, 1689, 1690 and 1785 are included under the topic Early Rombough History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Rombough Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Rombough are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Rombough include: Rumbold, Rumbald, Rumble, Rumball, Rumbow and others.

Early Notables of the Rombough family

Distinguished members of the family include Richard Rumbold (1622-1685), a Cromwellian soldier who took part in the Rye House Plot to assassinate King Charles II of England.In May 1685 Rumbold joined the Earl of Argyll in his expedition to Scotland. He became separated from the rest of the rebels in their disorderly marches, and was captured. As he was severely wounded, the Scottish government had him tried at once, lest he should escape his punishment by death. He was tried on 26 June, protested his innocence of any design to assassinate...
Another 90 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Rombough Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Rombough migration to Canada +

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Rombough or a variant listed above:

Rombough Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Mr. Jacob Rombough U.E. who settled in Canada c. 1784 7
Private. William A. Rombough U.E., (Rambach) (b. 1760) born in Tryon, New York, USA who settled in Fredericksburgh [Greater Napanee], Ontario c. 1788 he served in Sir John Johnson's 2nd Battalion King's Royal Regiment of New York, married to Margaret Smith (Schmitt) having 12 children, he died in 1833 7
Private. Hans Jacob Rombough U.E., (Rambach, Rombach) born in Germany from Tryon, New York, USA who settled in Fredericksburgh [Greater Napanee], Ontario c. 1788 he served in Sir John Johnson's 2nd Battalion King's Royal Regiment of New York, married in 1750 having 9 children, he died in 1790 7

Contemporary Notables of the name Rombough (post 1700) +

Doug Rombough (b. 1950), Canadian former professional ice hockey centre from 1970 to 1978

The Rombough Motto +

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: Virtutis laus actio
Motto Translation: The praise of virtue is action.

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Rye, Walter, A History of Norfolk. London: Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, 1885. Print
Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X