The Norman Conquest of England in 1066 brought much change to the island nation, including many immigrants with new names. Among these immigrants were the ancestors of the lain family, who lived in Staffordshire. Their name is derived from the Old English word lanu and literally translates as dweller in the Lane.
The surname lain was first found in Staffordshire where the family claim descent from De La Lane as listed in the Roll of Battle Abbey. [1]
This source continues "a family illustrious in history for the part they took in the preservation of King Charles II. After the battle of Worcester, Col. John Lane, head of the house, received the fugitive Prince at his mansion of Bentley, whence his Majesty was conveyed in disguise by the Colonel's eldest sister, Jane Lane, to her cousin Mrs. Norton's residence in Bristol. This loyal lady received after the Restoration an annual pension of £1,000 for life. Her brother, the cavalier Col. Lane was granted the especial badge of honour, the arms of England (three lions passant guardant on a red field) in a canton for his efforts."
The Royal Crown in the crest also bears to the family's recognition as does the family motto which translates as "Guard the King."
Bentley Hall [in Bentley, Staffordshire], the ancient manor-house of the Lane family, is distinguished as the residence of Colonel Lane. The Hall is a neat building standing on an eminence." [2]
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our lain research. Another 88 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1591, 1675, 1630, 1644, 1660, 1662, 1660, 1663, 1663, 1667, 1667, 1675, 1609, 1667, 1661, 1667, 1651, 1626, 1689, 1651 and are included under the topic Early lain History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Before the last few hundred years the English language had no fixed system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations occurred commonly in Anglo Norman surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name lain were recorded, including Lane, Lawn, Lone, Loan, Lain, Laine and others.
Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Benjamin Lany (Laney) (1591-1675), an English academic and bishop from Ipswich, Master of Pembroke College, Cambridge (1630-1644) and (1660-1662), Bishop of Peterborough (1660-1663) of Lincoln (1663-1667) and of Ely (1667-1675); Colonel John Lane of Bentley (1609-1667), English Member of Parliament for Lichfield, Staffordshire (1661 to 1667), and Royalist colonel who had given refuge to King Charles II at...
Another 65 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early lain Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Some of the lain family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 82 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
The unstable environment in England at this time caused numerous families to board ships and leave in search of opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad in places like Ireland, Australia, and particularly the New World. The voyage was extremely difficult, however, and only taken at great expense. The cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels caused many to arrive diseased and starving, not to mention destitute from the enormous cost. Still opportunity in the emerging nations of Canada and the United States was far greater than at home and many went on to make important contributions to the cultures of their adopted countries. An examination of many early immigration records reveals that people bearing the name lain arrived in North America very early: