Show ContentsStycklane History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Stycklane is a name of ancient Norman origin. It arrived in England with the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Stycklane family lived in Westmorland, at Great Strickland, a township in the parish of Morland, West ward and union. "This place takes its name from the ancient family of Strickland, who were lords of the manor, and resided here. " 1

Little Strickland is "a township, in the chapelry of Thrimby, parish of Morland, West ward and union, county of Westmorland, 3 miles (N. E.) from Shap." 1

Early Origins of the Stycklane family

The surname Stycklane was first found in Westmorland at Great Strickland or Little Strickland which dates back to the 12th century when it was named Stircland of Stirkland. 2 3 The name is derived from the Old English words "stirc" + "land" and meant "cultivated land where young bullocks are kept." 4

Strickland-Ketel and Strickland-Roger were located in the same county. "Descended from Walter de Stirkland, Knight, so called from the pasture-ground of the young cattle, called stirks or steers, in the parish of Morland, in this county; who was living in the reign of Henry III." 5

The first record of the family was found here in the Pipe Rolls of 1193 where Vchtred de Stirclanda was listed. Later, William de Strikeland was listed in 1278 and later again, Walter

Strykland was listed in the Assize Rolls for London in 1442. 6

The source Placita de Quo Warranto, temp. Edward I-III. records William de Stirkelaunde, Westmorland, 20 Edward I (during the twentieth year of the reign of King Edward I). 3

However, some of the family branched to Wintringham in East Riding of Yorkshire in early times. "This parish is situated on the river Derwent, and comprises 8480 acres, of which 5740 are in the township, and, with the exception of the large farm of Linton, exclusively the property of Sir George Strickland, Bart., who is lord of the manor. The living is a donative, in the patronage of Sir George Strickland: the church is in the early English style, with a square embattled tower surmounted by a tall and graceful spire." 1

Further to the north in Scotland, "Robert de Strikland witnessed confirmation by Alexander filius Walteri of his father's gifts to the church of Paisley, 1239 and Robert de Stirkeland had protection for two years for going on the king of England's service beyond seas, 1370." 7

Early History of the Stycklane family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Stycklane research. Another 155 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1066, 1200, 1366, 1380, 1400, 1415, 1419, 1596, 1598, 1600, 1621, 1640, 1665, 1671, 1673, 1685, 1686, 1689, 1694, 1717, 1724 and 1735 are included under the topic Early Stycklane History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Stycklane Spelling Variations

Endless spelling variations are a prevailing characteristic of Norman surnames. Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules, and the introduction of Norman French added an unfamiliar ingredient to the English linguistic stew. French and Latin, the languages of the court, also influenced spellings. Finally, Medieval scribes generally spelled words according to how they sounded, so one person was often referred to by different spellings in different documents. The name has been spelled Strickland, Stirkland, Stickland and others.

Early Notables of the Stycklane family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Sir Walter Strickland of Sizergh Hall; Sir Robert Strickland of Sizergh (1600-1671), an English Member of Parliament for Westmorland; Sir Thomas Strickland of Sizergh (1621-1694), supporter of the Royalist cause in the English Civil War; William Strickland (died 1419), an English priest, Bishop of Carlisle (1400 to 1419); William Strickland (died 1598), English landowner and early explorer of...
Another 65 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Stycklane Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Stycklane family

To escape the political and religious persecution within England at the time, many English families left for the various British colonies abroad. The voyage was extremely difficult, though, and the cramped, dank ships caused many to arrive in the New World diseased and starving. But for those who made it, the trip was most often worth it. Many of the families who arrived went on to make valuable contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families reveals a number of immigrants bearing the name Stycklane or a variant listed above: Henry Strickland, who settled in Virginia in 1670; along with Joseph; Henry Strickland, who settled in New Jersey in 1769; Hugh Strickland, who settled in Wilmington, Del. in 1789.



The Stycklane 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: Sans mal
Motto Translation: Without evil.


  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  2. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  3. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  4. Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
  5. Shirley, Evelyn Philip, The Noble and Gentle Men of England; The Arms and Descents. Westminster: John Bower Nichols and Sons, 1866, Print.
  6. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  7. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)


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