| ![Show Contents]() Pownceby History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Pownceby is a name that came to England in the 11th century wave of migration that was set off by the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Pownceby family lived in Cumberland, at Ponsonby, from whence the family derived their name. Early Origins of the Pownceby familyThe surname Pownceby 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 Pownceby familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Pownceby 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 Pownceby History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Pownceby 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. Pownceby has been recorded under many different variations, including Ponsonby, Pounceby, Pownceby and others. Early Notables of the Pownceby familyAnother 41 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Pownceby Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.  Migration of the Pownceby family to Ireland
Some of the Pownceby 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.
| Pownceby migration to New Zealand | + |
Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include: Pownceby Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century- Mary A. Pownceby, aged 30, a cook, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Wairoa" in 1877
| Contemporary Notables of the name Pownceby (post 1700) | + |
- Soulan James Pownceby (b. 1975), New Zealand boxer
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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Pownceby migration to New Zealand 
England
Ireland
