Show ContentsFranshore History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The ancestors of the Franshore family brought their name to England in the wave of migration after the Norman Conquest of 1066. They lived in Norfolk, at Great Fransham or Little Fransham, parishes in the union of Mitford and Launditch, hundred of Launditch. Little Fransham's old Hall, "now a farmhouse, contains a room in which Queen Elizabeth is said to have slept one night, when on a tour through Norfolk." 1

Bother parishes date back to the Domesday Book of 1086 when they were one and known as Frandesham. 2 At this time Fransham consisted of 3 mills.

Early Origins of the Franshore family

The surname Franshore was first found in Norfolk where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor of the village of Fransham. The village of Fransham in 1086 was held by Gilbert from William de Warenne, the overlord whose line later became the Dukes of Warwick. Conjecturally, the Fransham name is directly descended from Gilbert, who was probably the son or nephew of William of Warenne. William, Count of Warren in Normandy, was a great friend and trusted companion of Duke William, the Conqueror of England in 1066. He married Gundreda, daughter of Queen Matilda. William, who fought at the Battle of Hastings, was one of the nobles who ruled England when Duke William returned to Normandy from time to time.

Early History of the Franshore family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Franshore research. Another 98 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1198, 1273, 1334, 1660, 1730, 1743 and 1810 are included under the topic Early Franshore History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Franshore Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years the English language had no fixed system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations occurred commonly in Anglo Norman surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Franshore were recorded, including Fransham, Francham, Frensham, Frenchum, Franchum, Franchem, Franshem, Frencham, Franchomme and many more.

Early Notables of the Franshore family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was John Fransham (1730-1810), English freethinker, son of Thomas and Isidora Fransham. "He showed precocity at an elementary school. He wrote sermons, which the rector of St. George's thought good enough to submit to the dean. The aid of a relative, probably Isaac Fransham (1660-1743), an attorney, enabled him to study...
Another 58 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Franshore Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Franshore family

The unstable environment in England at this time caused numerous families to board ships and leave in search of opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad in places like Ireland, Australia, and particularly the New World. The voyage was extremely difficult, however, and only taken at great expense. The cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels caused many to arrive diseased and starving, not to mention destitute from the enormous cost. Still opportunity in the emerging nations of Canada and the United States was far greater than at home and many went on to make important contributions to the cultures of their adopted countries. An examination of many early immigration records reveals that people bearing the name Franshore arrived in North America very early: Stephen Frensham settled in Virginia in 1728; and a Mr Franchomme, who settled in Louisiana in 1719.



  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  2. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)


Houseofnames.com on Facebook