Show ContentsWinser History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

When the ancestors of the Winser family emigrated to England following the Norman Conquest in 1066 they brought their family name with them. They lived in Berkshire, at Windsor Castle. Interestingly, "The Stanwell family claim descent from Walter Fitz-Other (fl. 1087), who held that manor at the time of Domesday Book and was warder of Windsor Castle, whence he derived the name Windsor. His third son, Gerald de Windsor (fl. 1116), was constable of Pembroke Castle, and steward to Arnulf, Earl of Pembroke, in whose service he saw much fighting in Pembroke. He was sent to King Murtagh in Ireland to ask his daughter's hand for Arnulf, married Nest or Nesta, mistress of Henry I, and was father of William Fitzgerald, Maurice Fitzgerald (d. 1176), David (d. 1176), Bishop of St. David's, and Angharad, mother of Giraldus Cambrensis, the historian. It was from Gerald's eldest brother William that the Windsors of Stanwell claimed descent." 1

Early Origins of the Winser family

The surname Winser was first found in Berkshire, where they were descended from William FitzOtho, who was son of Adalbert the second Duke of Lombardy. This Walter was given Windsor Castle by William, Duke of Normandy. His son, William Fitzwalter assumed the surname of the Castle. This was not the only time a family would assume the name of the castle as in 1917, the present Royal family would do the same.

One of the first on records of the family was Sir William de Windsor, Baron Windsor (d. 1384), Deputy of Ireland, the son of Sir Alexander de Windsor of Grayrigg, Westmorland. "No connection has been proved between this family and that of the Windsors of Stanwell. " 1

Early History of the Winser family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Winser research. Another 128 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1178, 1360, 1381, 1445, 1467, 1513, 1541, 1543, 1624, 1627, 1687 and 1917 are included under the topic Early Winser History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Winser Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason, spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Winser has been recorded under many different variations, including Windsor, Winsor, Winzer, Winser, Wincer and others.

Early Notables of the Winser family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Sir James Windsor (c.1360), ancestor of the Earls of Plymouth, First Baron Andrew Windsor (1467-1543), a courtier and army commander, and Miles Windsore (1541-1624), a British scholar and poet.Thomas Windsor, seventh Baron Windsor of Stanwell and...
Another 43 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Winser Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Winser family to Ireland

Some of the Winser family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 39 words (3 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Australia Winser migration to Australia +

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

Winser Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • George Winser, English convict from Kent, who was transported aboard the "Albion" on May 29, 1828, settling in New South Wales, Australia 2
  • Thomas Winser, English convict from Kent, who was transported aboard the "Albion" on May 29, 1828, settling in New South Wales, Australia 2

New Zealand Winser migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Winser Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Emma Winser, aged 21, a cook, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "India" in 1875 3


The Winser 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: Je me fie en Dieu
Motto Translation: I trust in God.


  1. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
  2. State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2014, November 24) Albion voyage to New South Wales, Australia in 1828 with 192 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/albion/1828
  3. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html


Houseofnames.com on Facebook