EnglandThe name Harckup reached England in the great wave of migration following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Harckup family lived in Oxfordshire. Their name, however, refers not to this location, but to the family's place of residence prior to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066: one of two towns, Harcourt, in Calvados, Normandy, or Harcourt in Eure, Normandy. [1]
Another source provides more detail: "A town and ancient chateau, now in ruins, near Brionne in Normandy, which gave title to the French Ducs de Harcourt. The ancient earls of Harcourt played a distinguished part in the history of Normandy. They were descended from Bernard, of the blood-royal of Saxony, who having been born in Denmark was surnamed the Dane. He was chief counsellor and second in command to Rollo at the invasion of Neustria in A.D. 876, and acquired Harcourt and other fiefs for his eminent services." [2]
"Robert de Harcourt attended William I. to the Conquest of England, and his descendants possessed Stanton-Harcourt, co. Oxon, from 1166 to 1830, when the elder line became extinct." [3]
The surname Harckup was first found in Oxfordshire. Errand de Harcourt who claimed descent from Bernard the Dane, who was granted the Lordship of Harcourt from Rollo of Normandy in 876 commanded the Archers of Vel de Ruel in the Conqueror's army. Rather than staying with his fellow countrymen in the newly conquered country, he returned to Normandy shortly after William's coronation. His younger Robert who had also accompanied him on the Conquest remained. Robert's son, William de Harcourt, a strong supporter of Henry I., commanded the troops that defeated the Earl of Mellentin in 1123. In return for his noble efforts, he received many more lands in England. [4]
Some of the early notables of the family include: Philippe d'Harcourt (died 1163), Chancellor of England (1139-1140); Louis d'Harcourt (died 1388), Vicomte de Châtellerault, Governor and Lieutenant Général of Normandy (1356-1360); Jacques I d'Harcourt (1350-1405), Baron of Montgommery, Councillor and Chamberlain of king Charles VI; Jacques II d'Harcourt (died 1428), Comte de Tancarville, Governor and Lieutenant Général of Picardie; Christophe d'Harcourt (died 1438), Lord of Havré, Councillor and Chamberlain of King Charles VII, grand-master of the waters and the forests; Guillaume d'Harcourt (died 1487), Comte de Tancarville, Ccounsellor and Chamberlain of King Charles VII, Constable and Chamberlain of Normandy, grand-master of the waters and the forests (1431).
This was the beginning of one of the most noble families in England that would quickly rise to the status of the House of Harcourt from which Simon, Lord Harcourt would become Lord Chancellor temp. Queen Anne.
Over in the parish of Wyrardisbury in Buckinghamshire, a more recent member of the family holds a piece of history. "Within its limits is Magna Charta island, a small islet in the Thames, on which King John, at the instance of the barons, is said by some to have signed the celebrated charter of English liberty; it is the property of G. Simon Harcourt, Esq., of Ankerwycke House, in the parish." [5]
William de Harewcurt was listed as an Old English Byname in 1055 and later, Philip de Harecourt was a Knights Templar in Sussex in 1139. [6]
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Harckup research. Another 98 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1714, 1727, 1574, 1631, 1574, 1590, 1609, 1603, 1642, 1661, 1727, 1612, 1673, 1618, 1679 and 1618 are included under the topic Early Harckup History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Before the advent of the printing press and the first dictionaries, the English language was not standardized. Sound was what guided spelling in the Middle Ages, so one person's name was often recorded under several variations during a single lifetime. Spelling variations were common, even among the names of the most literate people. Known variations of the Harckup family name include Harcourt, Harcutt, Harker, Harkett and others.
Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Field Marshall Harcourt; and Sir Simon Harcourt, who was Lord Chancellor of England during the reign of George the I (1714-1727).
Robert Harcourt (1574?-1631), was an English traveller, born about 1574 at Ellenhall, Staffordshire, was the eldest son of Sir Walter Harcourt of that place and Stanton Harcourt, Oxfordshire. "He matriculated at Oxford as a gentleman-commoner of St. Alban Hall on 10 April 1590, and continued there about three years. On 23 March 1609, accompanied by his brother Michael and a company of adventurers, he sailed for Guiana. On 11 May he arrived in...
Another 156 words (11 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Harckup Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
To escape the political and religious chaos of this era, thousands of English families began to migrate to the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. The passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe; however, those who made the voyage safely were encountered opportunities that were not available to them in their homeland. Many of the families that reached the New World at this time went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations of the United States and Canada. Research into various historical records has revealed some of first members of the Harckup family to immigrate North America: John Harcourt, who arrived in Jamaica in 1684; Edward Harcourt, who arrived in Texas in 1836; and Mary Harcourt, who settled in New England in 1773.
Digital Products on Checkout, all other products filled in 1 business day
Yes, all products 100% Guaranteed
The Best Rating possible
Entire site uses SSL / Secure Certificate
