Show ContentsCauston History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The origins of the Causton name lie with England's ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It comes from when the family lived in the hamlet of Causton in Norfolk. The place-name appears in the Domesday Book as Caustuna. [1] "The manor of Causton in South Erpingham, Norfolk, is mentioned in the Hundred Rolls of 1373." [2]

Early Origins of the Causton family

The surname Causton was first found in Norfolk where the History of Norfolk notes: "Beatrix, relict of Stephen de Causton, Edgefield, Norfolk and Richer de Causton, Norfolk, 1265. " [2]

A few years later, the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 noted Godfrey de Causton, Norfolk; and William de Causton, Norfolk. [2]

Of note in the ancient times was Michael de Cawston or Causton (d. 1395), Master of Michaelhouse, Cambridge, a Norfolk man, presumably a native of the village of Cawston, about twelve miles north-west of Norwich. "He became fellow of Pembroke College, Cambridge, doctor of divinity, and master of Michaelhouse. His appointment as master was apparently made subsequently to 1359, when William of Gotham is mentioned as holding that office. In 1361 or 1362, Cawston was chancellor of his university." [3]

Early History of the Causton family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Causton research. Another 120 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1335, 1569, 1631, 1638, 1673 and 1711 are included under the topic Early Causton History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Causton Spelling Variations

Before 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 Causton were recorded, including Causton, Caustin, Cawston, Kawston and others.

Early Notables of the Causton family

Notables of the family at this time include

  • Thomas Causton (d. 1569), English musical composer, "a gentleman of the chapel royal under Edward VI, Mary, and Elizabeth...
  • Nothing is known of his parentage, but it is possible that he is identical with a Thomas Causton who was living about the same date at Oxted in Surrey...
  • This individual was the son of William Causton of Orpington, by Katherine Banister, and was married to Agnes Polley of Shoreham...


United States Causton migration to the United States +

To 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 Causton family emigrate to North America:

Causton Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Thomas Causton, who settled in Georgia with his wife Martha in 1732
  • Martha Causton, who arrived in Georgia in 1733 [4]
  • Thomas Causton, who landed in Georgia in 1734 [4]

Contemporary Notables of the name Causton (post 1700) +

  • Edward Causton (1876-1957), English cricketer born in Hammersmith
  • Richard Causton (b. 1971), English composer and teacher, born in London
  • Richard Knight Causton PC, DL (1843-1929), 1st Baron Southwark, English stationer and Liberal politician born in Deptford, Kent, Paymaster-General (1905 to 1910)


  1. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  2. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  3. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
  4. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)


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