Scurrell History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe ancestors of the Scurrell family migrated to England following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The surname Scurrell is for a squire. Looking back even further, we found the name was originally derived from the Old French word escuyer, which indicated someone of the social rank immediately below a knight. 1 2 As by way on confirmation, Chaucer in his Canterbury Tales noted " With hym ther was his sone, a yong Squier." Early Origins of the Scurrell familyThe surname Scurrell was first found in Worcestershire where they held a family seat from very early times as Lords of the manor of Hanbury, and also estates in Devon. In Cornwall, "the church of St. Keverne is ornamented with a lofty steeple, which, standing on rising ground, is a conspicuous object at a great distance. Within the church there are memorials of the several families of Bogan, Sandys, and Squier." 3 "Squire is a numerous name in Barnstaple [Devon] and its neighbourhood. The mayors of that town in 1353 and 1471 bore this name." 4 The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 included listings of John le Squier, Cambridgeshire; and William Squier, Huntingdonshire. Later the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of Yorkshire listed Thomas Squier; and Agnes Squier as holding lands there at that time. 5 In the New World, the family rose to prominence particularly in Newfoundland, where Sir Richard Squires was Newfoundland's 6th Prime Minister. Today, many of the family reside there with both spellings, Squire and Squires. Early History of the Scurrell familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Scurrell research. Another 94 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1296, 1387, 1595, 1598, 1677 and 1700 are included under the topic Early Scurrell History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Scurrell Spelling VariationsBefore the advent of the printing press and the first dictionaries, the English language was not standardized. Sound was what guided spelling in the Middle Ages, so one person's name was often recorded under several variations during a single lifetime. Spelling variations were common, even among the names of the most literate people. Known variations of the Scurrell family name include Squire, Squair, Skair, Skuyer, Squires and others. Early Notables of the Scurrell familyOutstanding amongst the family at this time was Edward Squire (died 1598), alleged conspirator, "originally followed the calling of a scrivener at Greenwich, where he married and had children. He then obtained a post in Queen Elizabeth's stables, but, being 'a man of wit above his vocation,' gave up his position to become a sailor. In August 1595 he started with Drake on his last voyage to the West Indies, being on board the Francis, a small barque. Late in October the Francis separated from the rest of the fleet off Guadeloupe... Migration of the Scurrell family to IrelandSome of the Scurrell family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Scurrell familyTo escape the political and religious chaos of this era, thousands of English families began to migrate to the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. The passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe; however, those who made the voyage safely were encountered opportunities that were not available to them in their homeland. Many of the families that reached the New World at this time went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations of the United States and Canada. Research into various historical records has revealed some of first members of the Scurrell family to immigrate North America: Robert Squire who settled in Virginia in 1637; Phillip Squier settled in Barbados in 1634; George Squire settled in New England in 1630; along with Thomas.
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: Tiens ferme Motto Translation: Hold firm.
|