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![Show Contents]() Pouncebay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
When the ancestors of the Pouncebay family emigrated to England following the Norman Conquest in 1066 they brought their family name with them. They lived in Cumberland, at Ponsonby, from whence the family derived their name. Early Origins of the Pouncebay familyThe surname Pouncebay was first found in Cumberland at Ponsonby, a parish, in the union of Whitehaven, Allerdale ward above Derwent. 1 "Before the adoption of the surname, they are said to have been of Hale, in the same county. Still earlier, according to a family tradition, they were of the noble rank in Picardy, the founder of the house in England having come over with the Conqueror, who appointed him his Barber! The three combs in the arms of Ponsonby are alleged in support of this story, and if further evidence can possibly be desired, the chevron that separates them may adumbrate the open razor, wherewithal the dread face of the mighty Conqueror was denuded of its manly appendage!" 2 Early History of the Pouncebay familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Pouncebay research. Another 62 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1340, 1546, 1604, 1660, 1679, 1713, 1739, 1758 and 1789 are included under the topic Early Pouncebay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Pouncebay Spelling VariationsThe English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason, spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Pouncebay has been recorded under many different variations, including Ponsonby, Pounceby, Pownceby and others. Early Notables of the Pouncebay familyAnother 41 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Pouncebay Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.  Migration of the Pouncebay family to Ireland
Some of the Pouncebay family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 59 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Pouncebay familyTo escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Pouncebays were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: Thomas Ponsonby arrived in Philadelphia in 1850.
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: Pro rege, lege grege
Motto Translation: For the King, law and people.
- Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
- Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
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England
Ireland
