Rookstool History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Rookstool is a name of Anglo-Saxon origin. It was a name given to a person who because of their physical characteristics was known as a "rook," from the black-feathered bird of the same name, similar to a sparrow, but has a whitish area on its face. 1 In this case the surname refers to those individuals who have black hair or dark complexions. 2 3

Alternatively, the name could have been from the Middle English "atter oke, atte roke" meaning "at the oak." 4

Early Origins of the Rookstool family

The surname Rookstool was first found in Worcestershire where Robert Dellroc was recorded c. 1182. In Somerset, we found Peter de la Roke in the Assie Rolls for 1243 and later back in Worcestershire, Richard del Ak was recorded in 1275 and Richard atte Rok was listed in the Subsidy Rolls for 1327. Again in Worcestershire, we found Geoffrey atte Ock in 1296 and Geoffrey atter Ok in 1332. 4

Geoffrey le Roke, William le Ruk and Adam le Roc were both listed in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273. 2 A few years later during the rule of King Edward III (1312-1377), Richard le Rouke and Hugh le Rook were listed as holding lands in Somerset. 5

Early History of the Rookstool family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Rookstool research. Another 165 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1606, 1622, 1623, 1624, 1650, 1662, 1665, 1672, 1673, 1685, 1688, 1691, 1704, 1709 and 1820 are included under the topic Early Rookstool History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Rookstool 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 Rookstool were recorded, including Rook, Rooke, Rookes, Rooks, Roke and others.

Early Notables of the Rookstool family

Distinguished members of the family include Admiral of the Fleet Sir George Rooke (1650-1709), an English naval commander, probably best known for capturing Gibraltar for the British in 1704. He was second son of Sir William Rooke (1624-1691) of St. Laurence, Canterbury, sheriff of Kent (1685-1688), and nephew of Lawrence Rooke [q. v.] In 1672 he was lieutenant of the London, flagship of Sir Edward Spragge, in the Battle of Solebay. In 1673 he was again with Spragge, as lieutenant of the Royal Prince...
Another 83 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Rookstool Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Rookstool family

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 Rookstool family emigrate to North America: Daniel Rooke settled in Virginia in 1652; Samuel Rooke settled in Virginia in 1654; Samuel Rooke settled in Boston in 1712; Thomas Rooke settled in Virginia in 1650.

The Rookstool 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: Efflorescent cornices dum micat sol
Motto Translation: Rooks will flourish while the sun shines.

Citations +

Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. 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)
Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.