Show ContentsLeslet History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Leslet family

The surname Leslet was first found in Worcestershire at Abberton, a parish in the union, and Upper division of the hundred, of Pershore. "Henry VIII. granted the whole of the manor or lordship to Thomas and Francis Sheldon, whose family continued to be owners of the parish, until it passed into the possession of the present proprietor, William Laslett, Esq. Abberton Hall, the manor-house, the seat of Mr. Laslett, is in the centre of the estate, on an eminence overlooking a park of nearly 500 acres of pasture; it stands on a level with the Malvern hills, and commands a mos beautiful panoramic view of the Malvern and Bredon hills, the Lench woods, and vale of Evesham." 1

Early History of the Leslet family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Leslet research. Another 79 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1540 and 1586 are included under the topic Early Leslet History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Leslet Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Leslet are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. Scribes and monks in the Middle Ages spelled names they sounded, so it is common to find several variations that refer to a single person. The variations of the name Leslet include: Leslett, Leslet, Lesslie, Lesslet, Leslitt and others.

Early Notables of the Leslet family

Distinguished members of the family include

  • the Leslett family of Worcester

Migration of the Leslet family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Leslet or a variant listed above: Laslett, aged 26, who arrived at Ellis Island, in 1895; Edward Henry Laslett, aged 39, who arrived at Ellis Island, in 1902; Gertrude E. Laslett, aged 25, who arrived at Ellis Island from St. Mary ..., England, in 1907.



The Leslet 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: Finem respice
Motto Translation: Consider the end.


  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.


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