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![Show Contents]() Anscrell History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 England
Anscrell is a name that was brought to England by the ancestors of the Anscrell family when they emigrated following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The name Anscrell comes from the Germanic personal name Ansell composed of the elements ans, which means god, and helm, which means protection or helmet. [1] Early Origins of the Anscrell familyThe surname Anscrell was first found in the English county of Kent where they were granted lands shortly after the Norman Conquest by King William the Conqueror in 1066 A.D. The family is believed to be descended from Pierre Anselm, Archbishop of Canterbury, Ansell being the abbreviation adopted by most branches of this noble Norman family who accompanied the Conqueror into England. Saint Anselm of Aosta (c. 1033-1109), was a theologian, Abbot of Bec, and Archbishop of Canterbury. He was "born at or near Aosta about the year 1033, or two years before the death of Cnut, king of England, and two years before William the Conqueror became duke of Normandy. William the Conqueror received his death-wound in 1087. In the presence of Anselm we are told that he who to most men seemed harsh and terrible became so mild that bystanders looked on with amazement. " [2] Early History of the Anscrell familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Anscrell research. Another 91 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1660, 1929 and 1689 are included under the topic Early Anscrell History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Anscrell Spelling VariationsBefore the last few hundred years the English language had no fixed system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations occurred commonly in Anglo Norman surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Anscrell were recorded, including Ansell, Ancell, Ancelle, Anselm, Anselme, Anstrell and many more. Early Notables of the Anscrell family (pre 1700)Another 34 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Anscrell Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Anscrell familyThe unstable environment in England at this time caused numerous families to board ships and leave in search of opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad in places like Ireland, Australia, and particularly the New World. The voyage was extremely difficult, however, and only taken at great expense. The cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels caused many to arrive diseased and starving, not to mention destitute from the enormous cost. Still opportunity in the emerging nations of Canada and the United States was far greater than at home and many went on to make important contributions to the cultures of their adopted countries. An examination of many early immigration records reveals that people bearing the name Anscrell arrived in North America very early: Edward Ansell, who settled in Nevis in 1663; Elizabeth Ansell, aged 17, who settled in Virginia in 1685; Claude Anselme, who arrived at New Orleans in 1719.
- Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
- Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
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