Show ContentsAnwhistel History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Anwhistel is an old Anglo-Saxon name. It comes from when a family lived in Entwistle, a township in the parish of Bolton, Lancashire.

Early Origins of the Anwhistel family

The surname Anwhistel was first found in Lancashire at Entwistle, a township, in the chapelry of Turton, parish and union of Bolton, hundred of Salford.

"The township was anciently common land, belonging to the families of Blackburn and Entwistle. The latter family was long settled here, and Camden speaks of Entwistle Hall, in his time, as being "a neat and elegant mansion, the residence of noble proprietors of its own name. 1

"Sir Bertine Entwistle, knight, viscount, and Baron, of Bricqbec, in Normandy, a distinguished warrior in the reigns of Henry V. and VI., was among the heroes of Agincourt, and contributed by his zeal to the conquest of France. He was also engaged, on the side of the latter monarch, in the battle of St. Alban's, the first blow struck in the fatal quarrel between the houses of York and Lancaster, in 1455; and there unfortunately perished." 1

Wardleworth in Lancashire was home to a branch of the family. "Foxholes, in the township, has long been the seat of the Entwistles, a distinguished Lancashire family, of whom was Sir Bertyne Entwistle, one of the heroes of Agincourt. The original mansion was built by Edmund Entwistle soon after the Reformation." 1

Early History of the Anwhistel family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Anwhistel research. Another 96 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1550, 1574, 1582 and 1620 are included under the topic Early Anwhistel History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Anwhistel Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Anwhistel were recorded, including Entwistle, Entwisell, Entwissell, Entwhistle and many more.

Early Notables of the Anwhistel family

More information is included under the topic Early Anwhistel Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Anwhistel family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Anwhistel family emigrate to North America: James and Rose Entwhistle arrived in Philadelphia in 1830; James Entwisle arrived in New York in 1820; Isaac, John and James Entwisle arrived in Philadelphia in 1844.



The Anwhistel 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: Per ce signe a Agincourt
Motto Translation: Through this sign, we have Agincourt


  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.


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