Blundell History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  England 
  France 
  Ireland 


When the ancestors of the Blundell family emigrated to England following the Norman Conquest in 1066 they brought their family name with them. They lived in Lancashire. Other records show the name could have been derived from the nickname Blondel or Blundel which means the blonde or blond haired person. However, the Blondel spelling less common than the Blundell spelling and its variants.

Early Origins of the Blundell family

The surname Blundell was first found in Lancashire where they were granted lands at Ince by William the Conqueror in 1066 A.D. William Blundell or Blondell, Lord of Ince, held three knight's fees. 1

"The manor [of Birkdale in Lancashire], in the reign of Henry IV., was held by the Halsalls; and the Gerards of Bromley became possessed of the estate by purchase, in the 17th century: from the latter it passed to the Mordaunts, and from them to the Blundell family." 2

One of the first records of the family was that of Robert Blundell, rector of the church of St. Michael, Aughton, Lancashire in 1246. 3

Ince Blundell, in Lancashire was the ancient family seat. "The Blundells are said to have been lords of the manor from the time of the Conquest, and William Blundell is mentioned as having a seat here in the reign of Henry III. In the midst of Ince-Blundell park is the Hall, the family seat of the Blundells, a large handsome mansion with stone dressings, at the eastern angle of which is a building called "The Pantheon," erected by the late Henry Blundell, Esq., and precisely similar in its architecture and proportions to the Pantheon at Rome, but one-third less. The building contains a splendid collection of paintings, statuary, sarcophagi, urns, and other relics of antiquity, procured by the founder, and said to be unequalled by any similar collection in the kingdom: there are upwards of 360 statues, busts, and basso-relievos in this temple of the arts. " 2

"One of the Blundells settled in Bedfordshire, where the name is found in a list of the principal gentry of the county in the time of Henry VI. Fuller, in quoting this catalogue from an ancient record, says, 'Hungry Time has made a glutton's meal on this catalogue of gentry, and hath left but a little morsel, for manners, remaining; so few of these are found extant in this shire, and fewer continuing in genteel equipage; among whom I must not forget the family of the Blundells, whereof Sir Edward Blundell behaved himself right valiantly in the unfortunate expedition to the isle of Roe.' This was the expedition to the isle of Rhee, under the Duke of Buckingham. The family thence migrated to Ireland. " 4

Early History of the Blundell family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Blundell research. Another 141 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1155, 1276, 1520, 1523, 1579, 1601, 1604, 1620, 1625, 1643, 1692, 1707, 1711 and 1734 are included under the topic Early Blundell History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Blundell 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. Blundell has been recorded under many different variations, including Blundell, Blondell, Blondle, Blundle and others.

Early Notables of the Blundell family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was

Migration of the Blundell family to Ireland

Some of the Blundell family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 51 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Blundell migration to the United States +

To escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Blundells were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America:

Blundell Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Blundell Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Blundell Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Blundell migration to Australia +

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

Blundell Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Blundell 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:

Blundell Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Blundell (post 1700) +


The Blundell 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: Unus et idem ferar
Motto Translation: I will be borne along one and the same.
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