|
![Show Contents]() Hanstrel History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 England
The name Hanstrel reached England in the great wave of migration following the Norman Conquest of 1066. It is based on the Germanic personal name Ansell composed of the elements ans, which means god, and helm, which means protection or helmet. 1 Early Origins of the Hanstrel familyThe surname Hanstrel was first found in the English county of Kent where they were granted lands shortly after the Norman Conquest by King William the Conqueror in 1066 A.D. The family is believed to be descended from Pierre Anselm, Archbishop of Canterbury, Ansell being the abbreviation adopted by most branches of this noble Norman family who accompanied the Conqueror into England. Saint Anselm of Aosta (c. 1033-1109), was a theologian, Abbot of Bec, and Archbishop of Canterbury. He was "born at or near Aosta about the year 1033, or two years before the death of Cnut, king of England, and two years before William the Conqueror became duke of Normandy. William the Conqueror received his death-wound in 1087. In the presence of Anselm we are told that he who to most men seemed harsh and terrible became so mild that bystanders looked on with amazement. " 2 Early History of the Hanstrel familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hanstrel research. Another 91 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1660, 1689 and 1929 are included under the topic Early Hanstrel History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Hanstrel Spelling VariationsThe English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason, spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Hanstrel has been recorded under many different variations, including Ansell, Ancell, Ancelle, Anselm, Anselme, Anstrell and many more. Early Notables of the Hanstrel familyAnother 34 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Hanstrel Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Hanstrel familyTo escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Hanstrels were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: Edward Ansell, who settled in Nevis in 1663; Elizabeth Ansell, aged 17, who settled in Virginia in 1685; Claude Anselme, who arrived at New Orleans in 1719.
- Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
- Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
|
