Show ContentsBlackmanstone History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Blackmanstone

What does the name Blackmanstone mean?

The name Blackmanstone belongs to the early history of Britain, it's origins lie with the Anglo-Saxons. It is a product of their having lived in or near one of the two towns called Blanchminster and Blackmanstone in Essex. It is also probable that the name is of nickname derivation and was used to indicate a man with a dark complexion or dark hair.

Early Origins of the Blackmanstone family

The surname Blackmanstone was first found in Cornwall, in the parish of Egloskerry. "In the north transept of this church lies, as is supposed, Guy de Blanchminster, or De Albomonasteris, rector of Lansallos, younger brother probably, of Sir John Blanchminster, who died without issue, and was the last of that family. He is represented as having long hair, and dressed in a gown, with his purse by his side. The purse in my opinion alludes to the donations of himself and relatives. I am inclined to think that the tithes of Egloskerry once belonged to the Blanchminsters." 1

Binnamy Castle in the parish of Stratton, Cornwall is said to have been built by Ralph de Blanchminster, about the year 1335. "Dr. Borlase describes this house as being situated about half a mile from Stratton, and a furlong from the ancient causeway made by the Blanchminsters. Of this venerable mansion no remnants remain. In the church of Stratton there is a monument of a knight with his effigies in armour, supposed to be intended for one of the Blanchminsters. It appears that some lands of considerable value were given by one of the Blanchminsters for charitable purposes to this parish. The intended object has, according to modern usage, been understood to be the church and poor." 1

Early History of the Blackmanstone family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Blackmanstone research. Another 270 words (19 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1273 and 1500 are included under the topic Early Blackmanstone History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Blackmanstone Spelling Variations

Until the dictionary, an invention of only the last few hundred years, the English language lacked any comprehensive system of spelling rules. Consequently, spelling variations in names are frequently found in early Anglo-Saxon and later Anglo-Norman documents. One person's name was often spelled several different ways over a lifetime. The recorded variations of Blackmanstone include Blackmonster, Blackemonster, Blackmanstone, Blauncmustre, Blancmustre, Blancmoster and many more.

Early Notables of the Blackmanstone family

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

Migration of the Blackmanstone family

Thousands of English families boarded ships sailing to the New World in the hope of escaping the unrest found in England at this time. Although the search for opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad took the lives of many because of the cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels, the opportunity perceived in the growing colonies of North America beckoned. Many of the settlers who survived the journey went on to make important contributions to the transplanted cultures of their adopted countries. The Blackmanstone were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: a number of settlers who arrived in the New World by the 19th century.



  1. Hutchins, Fortescue, The History of Cornwall, from the Earliest Records and Traditions to the Present Time. London: William Penaluna, 1824. Print


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