Astwell History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Early Origins of the Astwell family

The surname Astwell was first found in Northamptonshire at Astwell, a hamlet, partly in the parish of Syresham, but chiefly in the parish of Wapenham, union of Brackley; hundred of King's Sutton. 1 2

While this is the prevailing origin of the name, another credible source notes that the name could have a patronymic name "derived from the name of an ancestor. 'the son of Asketel,' one of the many corruptions of this early and popular name. " 3

Indeed the earliest listings of the family were as both a forename and a surname. The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 list: Astill filius Wilfriche, Oxfordshire; Astell Propositus, Oxfordshire; William Astil, Oxfordshire; Peter Askyl, Cambridgeshire; Alan Askil, Cambridgeshire; Stephen Astel, Cambridgeshire; and Simon Astil, Buckinghamshire. 3

The History of Norfolk listed Hugh Astel, as rector of Aylmerton, Norfolk, 1371; and Nicholas Astell, as vicar of Stradset, Norfolk, 1450. 4

We would be remiss if we did not mention the Cornish branch of the family. St, Austell was their home, a parish, which is situated in the east division of the hundred of Powder.

"There are few parishes in Cornwall, on the origin of whose name more doubts have been entertained. From this place was denominated an old family of gentlemen, De Austell, of which family William de Austell was sheriff of Cornwall in the reign of Edward III. which was prior to the middle of the fourteenth century. His grandson John de Austell was also sheriff of the county in the twenty-fifth of Henry VI. ; and in the two following years he enjoyed the same honours for Somerset and Dorset." 5

Early History of the Astwell family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Astwell research. Another 178 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1225, 1349, 1379, 1532, 1641, 1668, 1675, 1697, 1714, 1722, 1731, 1735, 1800, 1807, 1841 and 1847 are included under the topic Early Astwell History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Astwell Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Astwell are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Astwell include: Astell, Astel, Astill, Astil, Asstel, Asstil, Asthul, Asthule, Astle, Atsell and many more.

Early Notables of the Astwell family

Distinguished members of the family include Sir Henry Hatsell (1641-1714), English judge, son of Henry Hatsell of Saltram, in the parish of Plympton St. Mary, Devonshire. 6 William Astell, (d. 1847) was elected to the court of directors of the East India Company in 1800 and served on it...
Another 47 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Astwell Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Astwell family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Astwell or a variant listed above: Mary Astell, who sailed to Maryland in 1726. In Canada John Astle was recorded in Ontario in 1830 and Joseph Astel was living in Wellington County, Ontario in 1871..

The Astwell 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: Sub cruce glorior
Motto Translation: I glorify under the cross.

Citations +

Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Barber, Henry, British Family Names London: Elliot Stock, 62 Paternoster Row, 1894. Print.
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Rye, Walter, A History of Norfolk. London: Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, 1885. Print
Hutchins, Fortescue, The History of Cornwall, from the Earliest Records and Traditions to the Present Time. London: William Penaluna, 1824. Print
Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print