Harkett is a name that was carried to
England in the great wave of migration from
Normandy following the
Norman Conquest of 1066. The Harkett 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.
Early Origins of the Harkett family
The surname Harkett 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.
[1]CITATION[CLOSE]
Burke, John Bernard, The Roll of Battle Abbey. London: Edward Churton, 26, Holles Street, 1848, Print. 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."
[2]CITATION[CLOSE]
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Early History of the Harkett family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Harkett research.
Another 98 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1714 and 1727 are included under the topic Early Harkett History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Harkett Spelling Variations
Before English spelling was standardized a few
hundred years ago,
spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, Norman French and other languages became incorporated into English throughout the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Harkett include Harcourt, Harcutt, Harker, Harkett and others.
Early Notables of the Harkett family (pre 1700)
Another 28 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Harkett Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Harkett family to the New World and Oceana
In
England at this time, the uncertainty of the political and religious environment of the time caused many families to board ships for distant British colonies in the hopes of finding land and opportunity, and escaping persecution. The voyages were expensive, crowded, and difficult, though, and many arrived in North America sick, starved, and destitute. Those who did make it, however, were greeted with greater opportunities and freedoms that they could have experienced at home. Many of those families went on to make important contributions to the young nations in which they settled. Early immigration records have shown some of the first Harketts to arrive on North American shores: 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.
The Harkett Motto
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.
Motto: Le bon temps viendra
Motto Translation: The prosperous time will come.