Blanchminster History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The name Blanchminster is of Anglo-Saxon origin and came 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 Blanchminster family

The surname Blanchminster 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 Blanchminster family

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

Blanchminster 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 Blanchminster 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. Scribes and monks in the Middle Ages spelled names they sounded, so it is common to find several variations that refer to a single person. The variations of the name Blanchminster include: Blackmonster, Blackemonster, Blackmanstone, Blauncmustre, Blancmustre, Blancmoster and many more.

Early Notables of the Blanchminster family (pre 1700)

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

Migration of the Blanchminster 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 Blanchminster or a variant listed above: a number of settlers who arrived in the New World by the 19th century.