Westbrooke History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsOf all the Anglo-Saxon names to come from Britain, Westbrooke is one of the most ancient. The name is a result of the original family having lived in one of the places called Westbrook in Kent, Berkshire, or on the Isle of Wight. The surname Westbrooke belongs to the large category of Anglo-Saxon habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads. Early Origins of the Westbrooke familyThe surname Westbrooke was first found in Kent where one of the first records of the name was Reginald de Westbroc who in 1255 was listed in that county's Feet of Fines. A few years later, John de Westbroke was listed in the Subsidy Rolls of 1327. Over one hundred years later, Edmind Westbrook was listed in the Feet of Fines of Essex in 1440. 1 Another reference lists Richards de Westbrek in Surrey during the reign of Edward I 2. They were Lords of the manor of Elsted for many years. Early History of the Westbrooke familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Westbrooke research. Another 70 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1616, 1659, 1660, 1666, 1675 and 1743 are included under the topic Early Westbrooke History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Westbrooke Spelling VariationsThe first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Westbrooke has been spelled many different ways, including Westbrooke, Westbrook, Westbrock, Westbrocke and others. Early Notables of the Westbrooke familyDistinguished members of the family include
Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Westbrookes to arrive in North America: Westbrooke Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Some of the first settlers of this family name were: Westbrooke Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include: Westbrooke Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
|