Show ContentsBlanchmonster History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The ancestors of the bearers of the Blanchmonster family name are thought have lived in ancient Anglo-Saxon England. They were first found 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 Blanchmonster family

The surname Blanchmonster 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 Blanchmonster family

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

Blanchmonster Spelling Variations

Until quite recently, the English language has lacked a definite system of spelling rules. Consequently, Anglo-Saxon surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. Changes in Anglo-Saxon names were influenced by the evolution of the English language, as it incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other languages. Although Medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, so it is common to find one person referred to by several different spellings of his surname, even the most literate people varied the spelling of their own names. Variations of the name Blanchmonster include Blackmonster, Blackemonster, Blackmanstone, Blauncmustre, Blancmustre, Blancmoster and many more.

Early Notables of the Blanchmonster family

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

Migration of the Blanchmonster family

Searching for a better life, many English families migrated to British colonies. Unfortunately, the majority of them traveled under extremely harsh conditions: overcrowding on the ships caused the majority of the immigrants to arrive diseased, famished, and destitute from the long journey across the ocean. For those families that arrived safely, modest prosperity was attainable, and many went on to make invaluable contributions to the development of the cultures of the new colonies. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Blanchmonster or a variant listed above: 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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