| ![Show Contents]() Blackminster History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
England
Etymology of BlackminsterWhat does the name Blackminster mean? The origins of the Blackminster name lie with England's ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It comes from when the family 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 Blackminster familyThe surname Blackminster 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 Blackminster familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Blackminster research. Another 270 words (19 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1273 and 1500 are included under the topic Early Blackminster History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Blackminster Spelling VariationsBefore 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 Blackminster were recorded, including Blackmonster, Blackemonster, Blackmanstone, Blauncmustre, Blancmustre, Blancmoster and many more. Early Notables of the Blackminster familyMore information is included under the topic Early Blackminster Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Blackminster familyTo 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 Blackminster family emigrate to North America: a number of settlers who arrived in the New World by the 19th century.
- Hutchins, Fortescue, The History of Cornwall, from the Earliest Records and Traditions to the Present Time. London: William Penaluna, 1824. Print
 |
