Kanerslay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Of all the Anglo-Saxon names to come from Britain, Kanerslay is one of the most ancient. The name is a result of the original family having lived in Kinnersley or Kinnerley. Kinnerley is found in Salop (now called Shropshire), and Kinnersley, in Herefordshire. The place-names come from a similar root, though.

They are both based upon the Old English personal name Cynheard, with the Old English word leah, which meant forest clearing, as a suffix. The place-name as a whole meant forest clearing belonging to Cynheard. 1

The Herefordshire parish "had a castle of some importance before the Conquest, the remains of which have been converted into a residence." 2

The Shropshire parish had a "castle [which] was demolished during the minority of Henry III., by Llewelyn, Prince of Wales, who agreed to make reparation for the act; but the building was never habitable afterwards." 2

Early Origins of the Kanerslay family

The surname Kanerslay was first found in Herefordshire where, according to an ancient manuscript the family is possessed of a very ancient pedigree. The manuscript reads: "The family of the Kynnersley is very ancient, being seated long before the Norman Conquest (1066 A.D) in the commune of Hereford in a castle so called at present. In the Domesday Book it is recorded that when William the Conqueror was possessed of his new kingdom he sent his commissioners throughout ye remote parts thereof (1086,) to knowe how every man held his lands. In which tyme there was an ould gentleman that lived and was owner of Kynnardsley Castle in Hereford by name John de Kynnardsley, and by title a knight (if any knights were before the Conquest). This old gentleman was blind, he had then livving with him twelve sonnes (sons,) whom with himself he armed, and stood in his castle gate, his halberd in his hand, attending the coming of sheriffs and other commisioners from ye king, who being arrived, demanded of him by what tenure he held his castle and lands; ye old knight replyed by his armes, showing to them his halberd."

One source notes Hugh de Kinardeslegh, Herefordshire, Henry III-Edward I: temp. Henry III-Edward I. 3 By way of confirmation, another source notes that the same person (with a slightly different spelling) was listed Hugh de Kinardesle(g) was listed in the Curia Regis Rolls for Herefordshire in 1208 and then later in the Assize Rolls for Worcestershire in 1221. 4

Early History of the Kanerslay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kanerslay research. Another 162 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1130, 1282, 1327, 1348, 1350 and 1654 are included under the topic Early Kanerslay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Kanerslay Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Kanerslay has been spelled many different ways, including Keynardsley, Kennersley, Kenersley, Kynnardsley, Kinnardsley, Kinnersley, Kynnersley, Kynersley, Kynersly, Kynnersly, Kinnersly, Kinersly, Kinnersley and many more.

Early Notables of the Kanerslay family

Distinguished members of the family include John De Kynardsley (1282-1350), English landowner who married Johanne De Kynardsley (née Ferrars) in 1327 and had John de Kynardsley...
Another 26 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Kanerslay Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Kanerslay family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Kanerslays to arrive in North America: Phillip Kennersley who settled in Virginia in 1635.

The Kanerslay 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: Timor Omnis Abesto
Motto Translation: Let all fear be far away

Citations +

Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Testa de Nevill or "Liber Feodorum" or "Book of Fees," thought to have been written by Ralph de Nevill, for King John (1199–1216)
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)