Voxe History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Voxe is an ancient Norman name that arrived in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Voxe family lived in Vaux or Vallibus, Normandy, the family's place of residence prior to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.

Early Origins of the Voxe family

The surname Voxe was first found in Cumberland where they held a family seat in Gillesland from ancient times. They were descended from Harold de Vaux, Lord of Vaux in Normandy who came into England at the time of the Conquest accompanied by his three sons, Hubert, Rannulf, and Robert. Their main seats became the Lords of Gillesland, the Lords of Tryermayne, and in Vaux in Normandy. "From Hubert descended the Barons Vaux of Gillesland, which line terminated in an heiress, who carried the Barony of Gillesland to the family of Multon, from which it passed to that of Dacre. Ranulph, the second son, was ancestor to the Vaux's of Tryermayne, and maternally of Lord Brougham and Vaux. Robert, the third son, was the ancestor of the Lords of Harrowden." 1

Robert de Vals, de Valibus, de Vaux was listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding lands in Essex and Norfolk. 2 Robert de Wals, de Valllbus was recorded in 1134-1140 and in 1188 as holding lands in Norfolk. Ralph de Vaus was a Knights Templar in Yorkshire in 1185 and Richard de Vause was recorded in the 12th century in Leicestershire. 3

Specifically, Watton in Norfolk was an ancient home of the family. "This place is of considerable antiquity, and prior to 1204 appears to have had the grant of a market, which during that year was suspended by writ of inquiry, but was soon after restored to Oliver de Vaux, Lord of the Manor." 4

Records of the family were found in St. Ive, Cornwall. "The manor of Dinnerdake, or Dunerdake, was at a very early period in the family of Vaux, by one of whom it was forfeited about the year 1450. It was granted by Edward IV. to Avery Conburgh." 5

Early History of the Voxe family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Voxe research. Another 101 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1460, 1509, 1519, 1523, 1535, 1556, 1559, 1562, 1585, 1587, 1588, 1591, 1595, 1605, 1635, 1637, 1661, 1663 and 1969 are included under the topic Early Voxe History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Voxe Spelling Variations

Norman surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. The frequent changes in surnames are largely due to the fact that the Old and Middle English languages lacked definite spelling rules. The introduction of Norman French to England, as well as the official court languages of Latin and French, also had pronounced influences on the spelling of surnames. Since medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, rather than adhering to any specific spelling rules, it was common to find the same individual referred to with different spellings. The name has been spelled Vose, Voase, Vaux, Voxe, Voaux, Vokes and others.

Early Notables of the Voxe family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Nicholas Vaux, 1st Baron Vaux of Harrowden (c. 1460-1523), an English soldier and courtier and early member of the House of Commons; Thomas Vaux, 2nd Baron Vaux of Harrowden KB (1509-1556), an English poet; William Vaux, 3rd Baron Vaux of Harrowden (c. 1535-1595), an English peer; and his third daughter, Anne Vaux (c. 1562-1637), a...
Another 63 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Voxe Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Voxe family

Many English families emigrated to North American colonies in order to escape the political chaos in Britain at this time. Unfortunately, many English families made the trip to the New World under extremely harsh conditions. Overcrowding on the ships caused the majority of the immigrants to arrive diseased, famished, and destitute from the long journey across the stormy Atlantic. Despite these hardships, many of the families prospered and went on to make invaluable contributions to the development of the cultures of the United States and Canada. Early North American immigration records have revealed a number of people bearing the name Voxe or a variant listed above: John Vaux who landed in America in 1679; J. Vaux settled in San Francisco Cal. in 1850; Campbell Voaux who settled in Dominica in 1774; Jemima Vose settled in Boston Massachusetts in 1767.

Citations +

Burke, John Bernard, The Roll of Battle Abbey. London: Edward Churton, 26, Holles Street, 1848, Print.
Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Hutchins, Fortescue, The History of Cornwall, from the Earliest Records and Traditions to the Present Time. London: William Penaluna, 1824. Print