Show ContentsRoskell History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Roskell family

The surname Roskell was first found in Cumberland, where they held a family seat from ancient times and were the Lords of the manor of Roskell. Since Cumberland was not included in the Domesday Book taken in 1086, and initiated by Duke William of Normandy after the conquest of England in 1066, the records of this northern county are scarce, and it may be assumed that their estates were reasonably well scattered over that shire.

Early History of the Roskell family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Roskell research. Another 101 words (7 lines of text) covering the year 1950 is included under the topic Early Roskell History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Roskell Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Roskill, Roskil, Roskel, Roskell, Roskal, Roskall, Rosiell and many more.

Early Notables of the Roskell family

Notable amongst the family at this time was

  • Roskell of Cumberland


Australia Roskell migration to Australia +

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

Roskell Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Lucinda Roskell, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Asia" in 1851 1

Contemporary Notables of the name Roskell (post 1700) +

  • Professor John Smith Roskell, M.A. D.Phil. F.B.A, English Professor of the University of Manchester


The Roskell 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: Ros coeli
Motto Translation: A shower from heaven.


  1. State Library of South Australia. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) ASIA 1851 from London 12 05 1851 and southampton with Captain Roskell, arrived Port Adelaide on 1-09-1851. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1851Asia.htm


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