Henstum History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The origins of the Henstum name come from when the Anglo-Saxon tribes ruled over Britain. The name Henstum was originally derived from a family having lived in either of the parishes named Henton, in the counties of Oxfordshire and Somerset.

The Oxfordshire liberty dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086 when it was first listed as Hentone. 1 The Somerset parish actually dates back further to Saxon times when it was known as Hentun in 1065. Both literally meant "farmstead where hens are kept," from the Old English "henn" + "tun." 2

Early Origins of the Henstum family

The surname Henstum was first found in Hampshire where Adam de Henton was listed in the Pipe Rolls of 1200. Later, Laurence de Henton was found in the Assize Rolls of Somerset in 1258. 3

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 had two listings of the family: William de Henton, Oxfordshire; and Alex, de Henton, Somerset. 4

Again in Somerset, we found two more early entries for the family: Hugh de Hentone; and Walter de Hentone, both were listed 1 Edward III (during the first year of King Edward III's reign.) 5

Simon Henton or Heinton (fl. 1360), Dominican, was born at Henton, near Winchester, became a Dominican friar, and eventually provincial of the order in England. 6

Early History of the Henstum family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Henstum research. Another 96 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1273 and 1545 are included under the topic Early Henstum History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Henstum Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Henstum include Henton, Henston, Hennton, Hentone, Heanton and others.

Early Notables of the Henstum family

More information is included under the topic Early Henstum Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Henstum family

A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants: Elias Henton, who sailed to Virginia in 1624; as did John Henton in 1652; Thomas Henton in 1655; Thomas Henton in 1658; Joane Henton in 1668 and Christopher Henton, in 1672..

Citations +

Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.
Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print