Black Britain

(2)

Biographies of Blacks of note in ancient Britain

Biographies in these pages are taken from:

The Dictionary of National Biography (DNB) by Stephen Leslie 1832-1904: A standard work of reference with articles on more than 29,000 notable figures from British history. It was originally published in 63 volumes between 1885 and 1900.

http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/webbin/metabook?id=dnb

AND

The Scottish nation; or, The surnames, families, literature, honours, and biographical history of the people of Scotland (1877) by William Anderson, 1805-1866

http://www.archive.org/search.php?query=The%20Scottish%20nation%20or%20the%20surnames

Having come to the realization that the Albinos were degenerate liars who would lie even in official matters: the American declared that the White Man spoke with a "Forked-tongue". Realizing that the Albinos will invariably create Fake Paintings and Drawings of White people, to depict those who were really Black People - the proof is below: should we say that the White Man "Paints with a Forked Palette"?

Queen Charlotte's description may serve as a benchmark for the descriptive terms below.

(Uncorrected from the scanned page). CHARLOTTE SOPHIA (1744-1818), Queen of George III, king of England, was Wie youngest daughter of Charles Lewis, brother of Frederic, third duke of Mecklen-burg-Strelitz. When a young girl she was so distressed ac the ravages of tne IVussian troops on a relative's territory, that she wrote a letter to their king begbing him to restrain them. This letter found its way to England, and is said to have done something to direct the attention of the English court to her as a suitable consort for George (Mahon, History of EngUiJid, iv. 331, 1846). The inquiries made resulted in a formal proposal, which was accepted, and the princess set off for England. The voyage from Cuxhaven to Harwich took ten days, for the ship was delayed by contrary winds. Charlotte beguiled the time by practising English tunes on the harpsichord. On 7 Sept. 1761 she landed in England. The next day she saw George for the first time at St. James's. From that moment till the king's illness she said that she never knew real sorrow. They were married late that same evening. Their coronation took place on 22 Sept. of that year. The minute description is given in Richard Thomson's Faithful Account y &c., 1820). Iler appearance at this time is briefly described by Horace Walpole: *She is not tall nor a beauty. Pale and very thin; but looks sensible and ffenteel. Her hair is darkish and fine ; her forehead low, her nose very well, except the nofitrik spreading too wide. The mouth has the same fault, but her teeth are good.

BELOW: FAKE WHITE PAINTINGS, FALSELY DEPICTING BLACK PEOPLE, AS WHITE PEOPLE.

Read the description from (DNB):

Then look at the picture.

KING CHARLES I (1600-1049), king of Great Britain and Ireland, the second son of James VI of Scotland and Anne of Denmark. He was entrusted to the care of Lord and Lady Fyvie. The following year given into the charge of Lady Cary, many ladies having refused the responsibility of bringing him up on account of his hysical weakness Volume: 10

KING GEORGE IV (1762-1830), king of England, eldest son of George III and of Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg- Strelitz, was born at St. James's Palace about half-past seven on the morning of 12 Aug. 1762. He was stout, of a florid complexion. Volume 21

DUKE OF HAMILTON (Scotland), fourth Duke JAMES DOUGLAS (1658-1712), the eldest son of Lord William Douglas, created Earl of Selkirk and Duke of Hamilton for life by his marriage with Anne, daughter of James, first Duke of Hamilton, and Duchess of Hamilton in her own right. Macky describes him as of middle stature, well made, of a Black coarse complexion. Volume 15

EARL OF PERTH, (Scotland) JAMES DRUMMOND, fourth EARL and first titular DUKE OF PERTH (1648-1716), was elder son of James, third earl, prisoner at the battle of Philiphaugh, 13 Sept. 1645, who died 2 June 1675. His mother, who died 9 Jan. 1656,was Lady Anne Gordon, eldest daughter of George, second Marquis of Huntly . He is described as very proud, of middle stature, with a quick look and a brown complexion. Volume 16

EARL OF MORAY, (Scotland) Thomas Randolph, 1st Earl of Moray (died 20 July 1332) (Father of BLACK AGNES), was Regent of Scotland, an important figure in the Scottish Wars of Independence, and one of the signers of the Declaration of Arbroath. He is usually described as a nephew of Robert the Bruce although their exact relationship is uncertain. The traditional view is that it was through a daughter of the first marriage of Countess Marjorie of Carrick, who was mother of King Robert by her second marriage. Volume 16

COUNTESS OF DUNBAR (Scotland), AGNES, COUNTESS OF DUNBAR and MARCH (1312 P-1369). Known from her swarthy complexion as BLACK AGNES. Is celebrated for her spirited defense of Dunbar Castle in January 1337-8. The countess was the daughter of Randolph, earl of Moray, and Isabel, the only daughter of Sir John Stewart of Bonkyl, and, through her father, grand niece to Robert Bruce. She married PATRICK DUNBAR, tenth earl of Dunbar and March (1285-1369), who first came into prominence as an adherent of the English. Volume 16

EARL OF MORAY (Scotland), Thomas Randolph, 2nd Earl of Moray (died August 11, 1332), a Scottish military commander, held his title for just 23 days. The son of Thomas Randolph, 1st Earl of Moray, a companion-in-arms of King Robert I of Scotland, he succeeded his father on July 20, 1332. Thomas, 2nd Earl of Moray had a chief command under the Earl of Mar ranged against the army of Edward Balliol at the Battle of Dupplin Moor, where he was killed. Volume 16

EARL OF MORAY, (Scotland) John Randolph, 3rd Earl of Moray (1306 – 17 October 1346) was an important figure in the reign of David II of Scotland, and was for a time joint Regent of Scotland. He was son of the famous Thomas Randolph, 1st Earl of Moray, a companion-in-arms of Robert the Bruce. Upon the death of his elder brother Thomas, 2nd Earl at the Battle of Dupplin Moor in 1332, John succeeded to the earldom. He at once took up arms on behalf of his sovereign and cousin King David II and surprised and defeated Edward Balliol at the Battle of Annan in December 1332. At the Battle of Halidon Hill on 19 July 1333, he commanded the first division of the Scots' Army, supported by Lord Andrew Fraser and his two brothers, Simon and James. Escaping from the carnage there he retired to France. John returned to Scotland the following year, when he and the High Steward of Scotland (the future King Robert II of Scotland) were appointed joint Regents, and set about trying to restore order to the nation. He was successful in taking prisoner the Comyn Earl of Atholl, commander of the English forces in Scotland, but, on his swearing allegiance to the Scottish Crown he was set free. Comyn, however, disregarded his oath, returned to the English camp, and resumed his hostilities. In August 1335 led an attack on the Burgh Muir near Edinburgh against a body of Flemish auxiliaries in the English service, under Count Guy de Namur, and forced them to surrender. But escorting the Count to the Borders he fell into an ambush and was made prisoner by William de Pressen, (English) Warden of Jedburgh. He was confined first at Nottingham Castle, and afterwards in the Tower of London. On 25 July 1340, he was removed to Windsor Castle. In 1341 he was exchanged for the Earl of Salisbury, a prisoner with the French, and Moray then returned to Scotland. In February 1342 he invaded England with David II of Scotland. At the fatal Battle of Neville's Cross, outside Durham, on 17 October 1346 John, with Douglas, Knight of Liddesdale, commanded the right wing of the Scottish army, and he was killed during the first English attack. He was married to Euphemia de Ross but the marriage was childless. The Earl's sister, Black Agnes, assumed the honours as Countess of Moray. Volume 16

BARON THURLOW, (east central England) EDWARD, first BARON THURLOW (1731-1806), lord chancellor, eldest son of the Rev. Thomas Thurlow (d. 1762), incumbent successively of Little Ashfield, Suffolk, and of Thurston, Long Stratton, and Knapton, Norfolk, by Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Smith, a descendant of Sir Richard Hovell, esquire of the body to Henry V. Thurlow was tall, well built, and singularly majestic in appearance. His features, though stern, were regular, and a swarthy complexion matched well with his keen black sparkling eyes and bushy eyebrows. Volume: 56

BARON OF LEXINGTON, (middle east England) SUTTON, ROBERT, second BARON LEXINGTON (1661-1723), born at Averham Park, Nottinghamshire, the only son of Robert, first baron Lexington by his third wife, Mary, daughter of Sir Anthony St. Leger. he succeeded his father as second Baron Lexington in October 1668. Macky describes Lexington as being of a brown complexion. Volume: 55

SIR WILLIAM DOUGLAS, (d. 1392) LORD OF NITHSDALE (Scotland), was the illegitimate son of Archibald, third earl of Douglas himself the illegitimate son of the l Good' Sir James. For comeliness and bravery he was a worthy descendant of such ancestors, and the historians of the period describe him as inheriting several of the personal features of his grandfather, being large-boned, of great strength, tall and erect, bearing himself with a majestic mien, yet courteous and affable, and in company even hearty and merry. He Inherited the swarthy complexion of the Good Sir James, and was also called the Black Douglas. Volume 15

SIR STEPHEN FOX, (1627-1716), Statesman, born on 27 March 1627, was the youngest son of William Fox of Farley, Wiltshire. In his seventy seventh year, Fox, unwilling that so plentiful an estate should go out of the name, and being of a hale constitution,' married as his second wife, 11 July 1703, Christian, daughter and coheiress of Francis Hopes, rector, first of Haceby and afterwards of Aswar by, both in Lincolnshire. By this lady, who was then in her twentysixth year, Fox became the father of four more children: Stephen (ft. 1704), afterwards Earl of Ilchester; Henry (b.1705), first Lord Holland; a daughter, Christian, twin with Henry (d. 1708); and another daughter, Charlotte, married in July 1729 to Edward, third son of William, fifth lord Digby. The second Lady Fox dying at Bath, 17 Feb. 1718 1719, was buried at Farley. In the picture at Holland House Sir Godfrey Kneller endows her with small and pretty features, and hair and complexion as dark as her grandson's. Volume 20

This piece for historical interest only. CONSTANTINE I (d. 879) Son of Kenneth Macalpine, king of Scotland or Alba, the country north of the Forth and Clyde, whose chief seat was Scone, succeeded his uncle Donald in 863. His reign was one of the first when the attacks of the Normans attained a formidable height, threatening the destruction of the Celtic and Saxon kingdoms. Two years after his accession Olaf the White, king of Dublin, wanted the country of the Picts, and occupied it from the Kalends of January to the feast of St. Patrick, i.e. 17 March. According to the Pictish Chronicle, Olaf was slain by Constantine when on a raid in the following year, but the ' Annals of Ulster relate that he destroyed Alrhyth (Dumbarton), after a four months' siege, in 870, and retired in 871 to Dublin with two hundred ships and a great body of men, Anglo Britons and Picts. After this he disappears from the Irish annals, so that his death may possibly have been antedated by some years in the account of the Pictish Chronicle. Ivar, another of the Norse Vikings of Dublin, who had fought along with Olaf, died about the same time, but Scotland was still exposed to incursions from other leaders of the same race. Thorstein the Red, a son of Olaf, by Audur, the wealthy daughter of Ketill Flatnore, attacked the northern districts, and, according to the Icelandic Landnamabok/conquered ( Katanes and Suderland, Ross and Norway, and more than half Scotland. But his kingdom, which, perhaps, was acquiesced in by Constantine, who had slight hold of the northern parts, was brief, and he was slain by the men of Alba by a stratagem or treachery in 875. In the South Halfdane the Danish leader who led the northern of the two bands (Guthrum, Alfred's opponent commanded the other), into which the formerly united host of .that people was divided, ravaged the east coast of Britain, laid waste Northumbria, and destroyed the Picts of Galloway?) and the people of Strathclyde. Two years later another band of Danes, the Irish Dubhgall, or Black Strangers, having been driven from Ireland by the Fingall, or White Strangers, made a sudden descent on Scotland by way of the Clyde and, penetrating into the interior, defeated the Scots at Dollar, from which they passed to Inverdovat, in the parish of Forgan in Fife, where Con stantine was slain (877). Tradition points to the long black cave, near Crail, as the scene of his death. [Robertson's Scotland under her Early Kings; Skene's Celtic Scotland.] M. M.

QUEEN ANNE OF BOHEMIA (1366-l394) (Bohemia the western two-thirds of the Czech Republic), first Queen of Richard II, was the eldest daughter of the Emperor Charles IV by his fourth wife, Elizabeth of Pomerania. She was born at prague on II May 1866. Her father was the son of that blind king, John of Bohemia, who was killed at the battle of Creasy, and was king of Bohemia himself as well as Emperor. Anne, says one writer, is not the handsomest women in the world, is of middling stature, swarthy complexion, long neck, wide mouth, bosom not much raised, and in fact has nothing but the king. Volume 1

Duke of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, (north east England) John Holles, (1662–1711) was the son of the 3rd Earl of Clare and his wife Grace Pierrepont. In person Holles is described as a black, ruddy-complexioned man. Letters of Holles will be found in British Museum Additional MSS. 29.5G4 and :i30*4. His portrait bv Kneller has been engraved by K. White. Volume 27

DUKE OF KINGSTON, (East Midlands of England, were High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and the Royal Forests). PIERREPONT, EVELYN, first DUKE OF KINGSTON (1665 P-1726), was third son of Robert Pierrepont of Thoresby, Nottinghamshire, by his wife Elizabeth, daughter and coheiress of Sir John Evelyn, of West Dean,Wiltshire. Kingston, is thus described by Macky in 1705: He hath a very good estate, is a very fine gentleman, of good sense, well-bred, and a lover of the ladies ; entirely in the interest of his country; makes a good figure, is of a Black complexion, well made, not forty years old. Volume: 45

EARL OF WARWICK, (Central England) GUY DE BEAUCHAMP. (d. 1315), a lord ordainer, succeeded his father, William, earl of Warwick, the grandson of BEAUCHAMP, WALTER DE, d. 1236]. In 1298. He distinguished himself at once by his bravery at Falkirk (22 July 1298), for which he received grants of estates in Scotland, and he did homage for his lands. He was one of the seven Earls who signed the famous letter to the pope (12 Feb. 1301), rejecting his authority in the Scottish question. King Edward was present at his death (7 July 1307), when he was warned by him against Piers Gaveston. On the accession of Edward II, Gaveston returned to England, and dubbed Warwick, in insult, from his swarthy complexion, 'the black cur of Arden' Volume 4

LORD BELHAVEN, (Scotland) JOHN HAMILTON, second LORD BELHAVEN (1656-1708), born 5 July 1656, was eldest son of Robert Hamilton (d.1696), lord Presmennan, one of the judges of the court of session, by Marion Denholm, and elder brother of James Hamilton of Pencaitland, who was appointed a lord of justiciary in 1712 Macky (Memoirs, p. 236) caricatures him as a rough, fat, black, noisy man, more like a butcher than a lord.' In the obituary notice of him in Boyer he is described as of 'a good stature, well set, of a healthy constitution, Black complexion and graceful manly presence. Volume 24

EARL OF ORMONDE, (Ireland) tenth Earl THOMAS BUTLER (1532-1614), Thomas, who was called, from his dark complexion, the 'Black Earl' succeeded his father in the earldom and estates at the age of fourteen. He was brought up at the English court with a view to alienating his sympathies from Ireland, and was the first of his family to adopt Protestantism. He was knighted on Edward VI's accession in 1547. After Edward's death in 1553, the priests spread a false report that the young earl had been murdered in England, and the Irish on his estates, which were then managed by English officials, rose in revolt. Volume 8

DUKE OF NEWCASTLE, (north east England) WILLIAM CAVENDISH, (1592-1676), son of Sir Charles. Newcastle was buried in St. Michael's Chapel, Westminster. Abbey. His wife, in the life of her husband, Describes his stature as a middle size, and his complexion sanguine. Duke of Newcastle-upon-Tyne is a title which has been created three times in British history while the title of Duke of Newcastle-under-Lyne has been created once. The title was created for the first time in the Peerage of England in 1664 when William Cavendish, 1st Marquess of Newcastle-upon-Tyne was made Duke of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. He was a prominent Royalist commander in the Civil War. Volume 9

LORD THOMAS FAIRFAX, first Lord Fairfax of Cameron, (Scotland). The best portrait of Fairfax is a miniature by HoaInitii. In complexion he was so dark that He was nicknamed 'Black Tool. Volume 18

LORD LAURENCE ESMONDE (d.1770) (northern Ireland). He is said to have been a man of 'sanguine Complexion. Volume: 18

DRAYTON, MICHAEL (1563-1631), poet, was born at Hartshill, near Atherstone, Warwickshire, in 1563. In person he was small, and his complexion was swarthy. Volume 16

BLACKADER, CUTHBERT (d. 1485), A chieftain of the Scottish border, received his surname and estate from James II in 1452 for his success in repelling the English marauders on the Scottish frontier. By his prowess he earned for himself the title of the ( chieftain of the south.' He and his seven sons who accompanied him on his expeditions were also named, from the darkness of their complexions, the ' Black band of the Blackaders.' Volume 5

JOHN FELTON, (d. 1570), catholic layman, was descended from an ancient family in Norfolk. He was a gentleman of large property, and resided at Bermondsey Abbey, near Southwark, Surrey. His wife had been maid of honour to Queen Mary, who just before her death recommended her to Queen Elizabeth. Indeed, Elizabeth held her in great respect, for they had been friends and companions in childhood, and on this account Mrs, Felton was favoured with a special grant to keep a priest in her house. Felton was low of stature, and of a black complexion; naturally of a warm temper, and almost ungovernable where the interest of his religion was concerned. Volume 18

MAJOR GENERAL O'NEILL, HUGH (H, 1642-660), Irish general, nephew of the celebrated Owen Roe O’Neill. He was a major Irish commander against the English parliamentary forces of Oliver Cromwell. Borm in the Spanish Netherlands, was son of Art, who was elder brother of Owen Roe O'Neill (d. 1649), and nephew of Hugh O'Neill the great Earl of Tyrone. Hugh gained distinction as an officer in the army of Spain, and accompanied Owen O'Neill in 1642 to Ireland, where, from his father, he was known as 'MacArt,' and styled in Irish ' buidhe,' or the swarthy, from his complexion. Volume 42

Owen Roe O'Neill

PARSONS or PERSONS, ROBERT (1546-1610), Jesuit missionary and contro- versialist, was born at Nether Stowey, near Bridgwater, Somerset, on 24 June 1546. His father, Henry Parsons, said to have been a blacksmith, had by his wife Christiana eleven children, of whom Robert was the sixth. Dodd in describing his personal appearance, says 'he was of middle size, his complexion rather swarthy, which, with strong features, made his countenance somewhat forbidding. Volume 43

BISHOP SQUIRE, SAMUEL (1713-1766), bishop of St. Davids, baptised at Warminster, Wiltshire, in 1713, was son of Thomas Squire (d. 30 Nov. 1761, aged 74), druggist and apothe cary of that town, Squire's dark complexion gave him the nickname of The Man of Algola (Angola?). Volume 53

CAMERON, Sik Ewen, or Evan, of Locliie, (Scotland highlands) a chief of the clan Cameron, distinguished for his chivalrous character, was boru in February 1629. He was called by his followers Mac'onnuill Dhu, or the son of Black Donald, according to the custom of their race, after his father Donald, the chief who preceded him ;also Ewen Dhu, or Black Evan, from his own dark complexion. He was brought up at Inverary castle, under the guardianship of his kinsman the marquis of Argyle, under whose charge he was placed in his tenth year, being regarded as a hostage for the peaceable behaviour of his clan. Argyle endeavoured to instil into his mind the political principles of the covenanters, but it is said that he was converted to the side of the king by the exhortations of Sit Robert Spottiswood, formerly president of the Court of Session, who had been taken at the battle of Pliiliphaugh in September 1645, and was afterwards executed. At the age of eighteen ho quitted Inverary castle, with the declared intention of joining the marquis of Montrose, who, however, had previously disbanded his forces, and retired to the Continent. Although the royal cause seemed lost, Lochiel kept his clan in arms, and was able to protect his estate from the incursions of Cromwell's troops. Excerpt from The Scottish nation

COLONEL FREDERICK, (1725-1797), also known as FREDERICK DE NEXJHOFF, author of 'Description of Corsica,' was, by his own account, the only son of Theodore Etienne, Baron de Neuhoff, king of Corsica, by his wife, an Irish lady named Sarsfield, daughter of Lord Kilmallock, and one of the suite of Queen Elizabeth Farnese of Spain. The date of his birth was supposed by his family to be about 1725. In person Frederick was spare, of middle freight, with an erect military gait, which he never lost, a pleasing countenance, and a dark olive complexion, bespeaking a southern origin. Volume 20

SIR EDWARD MASSEY (1619-1674), Major-general, was the fifth son of John Massey of Coddington, Cheshire, and Anne, daughter of Richard Grosvenor of Eaton. In person he was of a 'middle stature with brown hair ' and ' sanguine complexion. Volume 37

KING CHARLES II (1630–1685) was monarch of the three kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Charles II's father, King Charles I, was executed at Whitehall on 30 January 1649, at the climax of the English Civil War. Although the Parliament of Scotland proclaimed Charles II King of Great Britain and Ireland in Edinburgh on 6 February 1649, the English Parliament instead passed a statute that made any such proclamation unlawful. England entered the period known as the English Interregnum or the English Commonwealth, and the country was a de facto republic, led by Oliver Cromwell. Cromwell defeated Charles at the Battle of Worcester on 3 September 1651, and Charles fled to mainland Europe. Cromwell became virtual dictator of England, Scotland and Ireland. Charles spent the next nine years in exile in France, the United Provinces and the Spanish Netherlands. A political crisis that followed the death of Cromwell in 1658 resulted in the restoration of the monarchy, and Charles was invited to return to Britain. On 29 May 1660, his 30th birthday, he was received in London to public acclaim. After 1660, all legal documents were dated as if Charles had succeeded his father as king in 1649. A tall man, above two yards high, his hair a was indescribably coarse, struck the critical as deep brown, near to black. Evelyn speaks of his swarthy complexion. Volume 10

DUKE OF MONTAGU, (Oxfordshire south central England) RALPH (1638-1709), Was the second son of Edward Montagu, second lord Montagu of Boughton. Two engraved portraits of Montagu are among the Sutherland collection in the Bodleian Library (Catalogue, i. 648). Macky describes him as of a middle stature, inclining to fat, of a coarse, dark complexion. Volume 38

EARL OF MIDDLETON, (Scotland) CHARLES, second EARL Of MIDDLETON and titular EARL OF MONMOUTH (1640P-1719), secretary of state to James II, born about 1640, was eldest son of John, first earl of Middleton, by his wife Grizel. daughter of Sir James Durham of Pitkerrow, and widow first of Sir Alexander Fotheringham of Ballindrone, and secondly of Sir Gilbert Ramsay of Balmain. Macky describes Middleton as 'a black man, of a middle stature, with a sanguine complexion, and one of the pleasantest companions in the world.' He also states that he was ' one of the politest gentlemen in Europe Volume 37

BARON NORRIS OF RYCOTE, (south central England) SIR HENRY NORRIS, (1525-1601). Was son and heir of Henry Norris (d. 1536) who was executed and attainted as the alleged lover of Anne Boleyn. He seems to have been born about 1525. His age was officially declared in 1564 to be only thirty (DUGDALE), but this statement is irreconcilable with the records of his early years. Henry VIII restored to him much of his father's confiscated estate, 'with some strict conditions respecting the estate of his grandmother, who was one of the heirs of Viscount Lovell. 1554. During Mary's reign Norris resided at Wytham, Berkshire, one of the manors of his father-in-law. Williams had shared with Sir Henry Bedingfield the duty of guarding Elizabeth while she was imprisoned at Woodstock during Queen Mary's reign. He had treated the princess leniently, had invited her occasionally to Rycote, and his kindness was gratefully remembered by Elizabeth. She Consequently showed, after her accession to the throne, exceptional favour to Norris and his wife. The latter she playfully nicknamed her 'black crow' in reference to her Dark complexion. Volume: 41

EARL OF BEDFORD, (south central England) RUSSELL, EDWARD, (1653-1727), admiral of the fleet, born in Was the son of Edward Russell, a younger brother of William Russell, first duke of Bedford. Bedford is described in 1704 as ' of a sanguine complexion, inclining to fat ; of a middle stature.' His portrait, by R. Bockman, is in the Painted Hall at Greenwich ; another, by Sir Godfrey Kneller, has been engraved. Volume: 49

LORD CHANCELLOR OF IRELAND METHUEN, JOHN (1650 P-1706), was the eldest son of Paul Methuen of Bradford, Wiltshire, clothier, by his wife Grace (d. 1676), daughter of John Ashe of Freshford, Somerset. He is described by Macky as a man of intrigue, but very muddy in his conceptions, and not quickly understood in anything. In his complexion and manners much of a Spaniard: a tall black man. Volume 37

Hugh Hyacinth O'Rorke MacDermot, Prince of Coolavin (west central ireland). The MacDermot (1834-1904), attorney-general for Ireland, born on 1 July 1834 at Coolavin, co. Sligo, was eldest of the twelve children of Charles Joseph MacDermot, titular ' Prince of Coolavin,' by his wife Arabella O'Rorke, the last lineal descendant of the Breffny family. The family, which was Roman catholic, lost most of their lands in the civil wars in Ireland in the seventeenth century, and they lived for generations in great retirement at Coolavin, where the head,  despite his narrow means, maintained much personal state A brother, John MacDermot (known locally from his swarthy complexion as “The Black Prince”) became a canon of Achonry and was a notable rider to hounds. Volume S-2

TISDALL, PHILIP (1707-1777), Irish politician, was born at Finglas, near Dublin, in 1707. He was the son of Richard Tisdal (registrar of the Irish court of chancerv, and member for the borough of Dundul'k, 1707-13, and county of Louth, 1713-27, in the Irish parliament), by his wife Marian, daughter of Richard Boyle, M.P.forLeighlin, a descendant of the great Earl of Cork. As a leading member of the Irish cabinet Tisdal is satirised in ' Baratariana 'under the name of 'Don Philip the Moor,' and also in ' Pranceriana,' and Irish periodical literature testifies abundantly to the importance of 'Black Phil,' as Tisdal, from his dark complexion, grave demeanour, and sardonic temper, was commonly known. Volume: 56

DAYROLLES, SOLOMON (d. 1786), Diplomatist, nephew and heir of James Dayrolles, king's resident for some time at Geneva, and from 1717 to 1739 at the Hague, who died on 2 Jan. 1739, was the godson of Lord Chesterfield, the wit and politician, through whose friendship the young official obtained speedy advancement in his profession. He was secretary to Lord Chesterfield and was nominated by him gentleman usher of the black rod, a sinecure to which he was entitled, as the donor ingeniously said, by the excessive darkness of his complexion. Volume 14

BISHOP DEE, FRANCIS, D.D. (d. 1638), bishop of Peterborough, 1634-8, was the son of the Rev. David Dee of St. Mary's Hall, Oxford, a member of an old Shropshire family, who held the rectory of St. Bartholomew the Great, West Smithfield. He had a very fair, clear, sanguine complexion, a long beard as white as milk. Volume 14

ARCHBISHOP DOLBEN, JOHN (1625-1686), archbishop of York (1683-6), was the eldest son of Dr. William Dolben prebendary of Lincoln and rector of Stanwick, Northamptonshire, where he was born 20 March 1625. His person was commanding, but overcorpulent; his complexion dark. Volume 15

DOUGLAS, SIR JAMES, of Douglas, 'the Good, LORD OF DOUGLAS (1286- 1330), (Scotland) Was the eldest son of Sir William Douglas of Douglas, the hardy by his first wife, Elizabeth Stewart; for Barbour calls James, high steward of Scotland. When his father was seized and imprisoned by Edward I, he was sent to France, whence, after a three years' sojourn in Paris, he returned to find his father dead and himself stripped of his inheritance, which had been given by Edward to Sir Robert Clifford. He was dreaded throughout the north of England. He was called ‘the Black Douglas' from his complexion. Volume 15

BISHOP HORSLEY, SAMUEL (1733-180l), Son of John Horsley, principal of Edinburgh University. Description of him at the age of seventeen; his eyes and his complexion dark as a raven. Volume 27

MURPHY, MICHAEL (1767-1798), Irish rebel, the son of a peasant, was born at Kilnew, co. Wexford, about 1767. Having acquired some learning at a hedge-school at Oulart, he was ordained a priest at "Whitsuntide 1785, and sent to complete his education at the Irish College at Bordeaux. On his return to Ireland he was appointed officiating priest of the parish of Ballycanew in the diocese of Ferns. In 1798 he was still a young man, strongly built, and of a dark complexion. Volume 39

BISHOP WALCHER (d. 1080), bishop of Durham, was a native of Lorraine, of noble birth, who became a secular priest, and one of the clergy of the church of Liege. In 1071 he was appointed by the Conqueror to succeed Ethelwine as bishop of Durham, and was consecrated at Winchester by Thomas, archbishop of York. He was very tall, and had snow-white hair and a ruddy complexion is said to have prophesied his martyrdom. Volume: 59

MARTINEAU, JAMES (1805-1900), Unitarian divine, youngest son and seventh child of Thomas Martineau His colleague's son, describes him at that period as ' benevolently ugly, if ugly at all, with his rough-cast features, wild upstanding black hair, low broad forehead, and swarthy complexion' Volume S-3

BLACKWOOD, WILLIAM (1776-1834), publisher, of 'Blackwood Magazine' was born at Edinburgh. He was described him in his prime among the literary loungers in his shop as ' nimble, active looking, with a complexion very sanguineous. Volume S-2

DAUBUZ, CHARLES (1673-1717) Was born in the province of Guienne in France, in July 1673, being son of Isaie d'Aubus, protestant pastor at Nerac. On the revocation of the edict of Nantes, the father obtained from Louis XIV a document, still preserved in the family archives, authorising him to leave France with his wife, Julie, and four children. He started for England, but on reaching Calais he died at an inn, and was privately buried in the garden, the innkeeper helping his widow, during the night, to dig the grave. She was afterwards joined at Calais by her husband's brother, who held some ecclesiastical preferment in the north of England, and he succeeded in bringing the widow and her children over to this country, and settling them in Yorkshire. Charles Daubuz was admitted into Merchant Taylors' School, London, on 11 Sept. 1686 (Robinson, Register of Merchant Taylors' School, i. 317). He was admitted a sizar of Queens' College, Cambridge, 10 Jan. 1689. He graduated B.A. 13 Jan. 1693, was appointed librarian of his college on 21 March in the same year, and continued in that employment tiU 10 Aug. 1695. In the following year he succeeded Thomas Balguy in the mastership of the grammar school of Sheffield, and he was the early tutor of his predecessor's son, John Balguy [q. v.] He commenced M.A. at Cambridge in 1697 {Cantabrigienses Graduatied. 1787, p. 110). He left Sheffield in 1699, on being presented by the dean and chapter of York to the vicarage of Brotherton, a small viUage near Ferrybridge in the West Riding of Yorkshire. This vicarage, of the annual value of 60/. or 70/., was all the preferment he ever enjoyed, and in order to support a numerous family he was obliged to undertake the education of the sons of several gentlemen in the neighbourhood. He devoted his leisure to the composition of his bulky commentary on the * Apocalypse,' which was eventually published by his widow. It is stated in a manuscript note by the Rev. John Law, who afterwards became vicar of Brotherton, that * when he had finished his book he went to consult Dr. Bentley (the then great critic of the age) ; but the doctor (as is supposed), thinking Mr. Daubuz would outshine him in learning, and eclipse his glory, did not encourage him to publish it. Upon which poor Mr. Daubuz returned home unhappy in mind and weary in body, sickened of pleuritic fever, and died in a few days,' on 14 June 1717. Law says he was ' a tall, stout, strong, hale man, of a swarthy, black complexion, wore his own strong, black curled hair, and had a very loud voice. He was a worthy, good man, a man beloved and re spected by all.'

MURRAY, LINDLEY (1745-1826), grammarian, was born at Swatara, Penn sylvania, on 22 April 1745. His father, Robert Murray, a member of an old Quaker family, was one of the leading New York merchants. Murray was the eldest of twelve children, all of whom he survived, although, he was puny and delicate in childhood. When six years old, he was sent to school in Philadelphia, but soon left to accompany his parents to North Carolina, where they lived until 1753. Murray was tall, slender, and of a ruddy complexion. In spite of bad health he was always cheerful, and his manner was conspicuously modest.

Names, Crests, and "Coats-of-Arms" of some ancient Black British people.

The Surname "Bower"

German

The historical and enchanting region of Austria is the birthplace of the distinguished family name Bower. Austria, which was originally home to a Celtic people, was conquered by the Roman Empire in about 15 BC. Following the fall of Rome, Austria was repeatedly invaded by barbarian tribes, such as the Vandals, Visigoths, and Huns, who swept in from the east. During the 5th and 6th centuries, the Alemanni, Avars and Slavs settled Austria. The Avars were defeated in 785 by the Frankish emperor Charlemagne, who set up the East Mark, which later became known as the Österreich. Otto I defeated the Magyars in 955. Austria was ruled by the Babenburger dynasty until 1278, when they were succeeded by the Hapsburg dynasty, which ruled Austria until the 20th century. One can encounter great variation in the spelling of surnames: in early times, spelling in general, and thus the spelling of names was not yet standardized; and later, spellings would change with branching and movement of families.Variations of the name Bower include Bauer, Baur, Bauerr, Bauerre, Bower, Boerema, Bohr, Burr and many more.

First found in Austria and Bavaria, where the name contributed greatly to the development of an emerging nation which would later play a large role in the tribal and national conflicts of the area. In later years the name branched into many houses, each playing a significant role in the local social and political affairs.

Scottish

Bower is an ancient name for a person who worked as a maker of bows. Further research revealed that the name is derived from the Old English word which means bow maker. Surnames that evolved in the Middle Ages often appear under many spelling variations. These are due to the practice of spelling according to sound in the era before dictionaries had standardized the English language. bower has appeared as Bower, Bowre, Bowyr, Bowers, Bowyer, Beauer and many more.

The Surname "More"

Austria

The name More comes from the Austrian empire. The tradition of adopting hereditary surnames came to this German speaking region after the 12th century, and surnames derived from places where people lived were a primary source. Many local names carry the prefix "von", meaning "of" or "from". It originally indicated land ownership, and is sometimes a mark of nobility. The More family originally lived in the modern state of Austria In the medieval era, many different cultural groups lived in the German states. There are thus many regional variations of German surnames from that era. Westphalians spoke Low German, which is similar to modern Dutch. Many German names carry suffixes that identify where they came from. Others have phrases attached that identify something about the original bearer. Other variations in German names resulted from the fact that medieval scribes worked without the aid of any spelling rules. The spelling variations of the name More include Mohr, More, Morher, Mohrer, Mor, Moor and others. First found in Austria and the Rhineland, where the name became noted for its many branches within the region, each house acquiring a status and influence which was envied and enrolled by the princes of the region. In their later history the family became a power unto themselves and were elevated to the ranks of nobility as they grew into this most influential family.

The Surname "More" continued

France

Spelling variations of this family name include: Moret, Morez, Moré, Morais, Morey, Moraie, Moraies, Mauret, Maurez, Maurais, Maurey, Mauraie, Mauraies, Morret, Maurret, Morrez, Morré, Morrais, Maurrais, Morrey, Maurrey, Morraie, Maurraie, Morraies, Maurraies, Mouré, Mouret, Mourez, Mourière, de Moret and many more. First found in Ile-de-France, where the family has held a family seat since ancient times.

Ireland

There are several distinct sources of the More surname in Ireland. Most of the name find their roots with the Anglo-Norman "Strongbow" invasion of the 12th century. Many of these became de Mora. Others derived from the Old Irish "O Mordha," from the word "mordha," meaning "stately," or "noble." The English surname More is derived from the personal name "More," which is itself derived from the Old French word "maur," meaning "Moor. Since church officials and medieval scribes spelt each name as it sounded to them; as a result, a single person could accumulate many different versions of his name within official records. A close examination of the Origins of the name More revealed the following spelling variations: Moore, More, Moor, O'More, Moores, Mores, McMore, Moire, Moare, MacMoore, McMoir, Moir, O'Moore, O'Moire, McMoare, MacMoir, MacMoare, Mooer and many more. First found in Leicestershire, before the name had made its way to Ireland; their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Scotland

The More surname in Scotland is thought to have been a topographic name for someone who resided near a moor, or heath. In Gaelic, Mor means great or big; therefore, a scribe may have mistaken the adjective Mor as a surname More or Muir. This may explain the occurrence of the surname Muir, or a variant in Northern Scotland. The name Muir would seem out of place in that region because it holds a meaning of "living by a moor or heath," not the typical landscape of the highlands. Judging by its meaning, Muir is a local name of the south that described the area, in which the original bearer lived or held land. Spelling variations of this family name include: Muir, Mure, Moor, Moore, Mure, More, Moorman and many more. First found in Ayrshire, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the census rolls taken by the ancient Kings of Scotland to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Andrewes

The Picts were the ancient Scottish tribe where the ancestors of the andrewes family lived. The name andrewes comes from the baptismal name Andrew which in Greek means manly. The name was popular as both a personal name and a surname, likely because it was the name of Scotland's patron saint. In Gaelic the name is Aindrea and Anndra which again means manly. Before the first dictionaries appeared in the last few hundred years, scribes spelled according to sound. spelling variations are common among Scottish names. andrewes has been spelled Andrew, Andrews, MacAndrew, Androw, Androe, Andro and many more. First found in Caithness. This family was strongly associated with the Clan Ross. It was originally known as the Clan Siol Andrea, meaning the race of Andrew. However, from about the year 1100 the Andrews moved south to the Dumfriesshire area of southwest Scotland. Duncan Andrew, Chief of the clan, rendered homage to King Edward I of England in 1296.

(No idea why so many crest entries for Andrews)

Andros

The ancient Pictish-Scottish name andros comes from the baptismal name Andrew which in Greek means manly. The name was popular as both a personal name and a surname, likely because it was the name of Scotland's patron saint. In Gaelic the name is Aindrea and Anndra which again means manly. Scribes in the Middle Ages did not have access to a set of spelling rules. They spelled according to sound, the result was a great number of spelling variations. In various documents, andros has been spelled Andrew, Andrews, MacAndrew, Androw, Androe, Andro and many more. First found in Caithness. This family was strongly associated with the Clan Ross. It was originally known as the Clan Siol Andrea, meaning the race of Andrew. However, from about the year 1100 the Andrews moved south to the Dumfriesshire area of southwest Scotland. Duncan Andrew, Chief of the clan, rendered homage to King Edward I of England in 1296.

Amo

Spelling variations of this family name include: Amor, Amores, Amorim, Amo and others. First found in Castile, in north central Spain.
Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Early migrants to the New World bearing this surname include: Juan De Amor, who arrived in Florida in 1538; Lorenzo de Amor, who arrived in Peru in 1594.

Morfyn

Spelling variations of this family name include: Morfin, Morffin, Morfee, Maufee, Morfyn, Murfyn and others. First found in Essex where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor. The Saxon influence of English history diminished after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The language of the courts was French for the next three centuries and the Norman ambience prevailed. But Saxon surnames survived and the family name was first referenced in the 13th century when they held lands.

Christie

The Picts were the ancient Scottish tribe where the ancestors of the christie family lived. The name christie comes from Christopher or perhaps from Christian. When the first dictionaries were invented in the last few hundred years, spelling gradually became standardized. Before that time, scribes spelled according to sound. Names were often recorded under different spelling variations every time they were written. christie has been written Christie, Chrystie, Chrysty, Christy, McChristie, McChristy, Christe, Christi and many more. First found in Edinburghshire, where they were recorded as a family of great antiquity seated at Carvant in that shire. By 1296 they had moved northward to Stirlingshire and there is a section of the Stirling Antiquary called "the Christies and their doings." A charter from 1457 granted by the abbot of Lindores mentions John Chrysty as a burgess. Later, John Chryste was listed as burgess of Aberdeen in 1530.

Big

The proud Norman name of big was developed in England soon after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. It was name for a large, stout, or strong man. The name is Old Norse in origin, and stems from the Old English root bigge. Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence in the eras before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate regularly changed the spellings of their names as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name big have been found, including Biggs, Bigg, Big, Bigge, Byggs, Bygges, Bigges and others. First found in Essex, where they had been granted lands by King William after the Norman Conquest in 1066.

Dobson

dobson is a name of Anglo-Saxon origin and came from Dob, the baptismal name meaning the son of Robert. Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name dobson have been found, including Dobson, Dobsons, Dobsin, Dobsan, Dobsaun, Dobsone and many more. First found in Lancashire where they held a family seat from very ancient times.

Gilham

gilham is a name of ancient Norman origin. It arrived in England with the Norman Conquest of 1066. gilham is a name that comes from the Old French given name Guillaume. The name Guillaume was modified into two forms after arriving in England: Gillham and William. Anglo-Norman names are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. When the Normans became the ruling people of England in the 11th century, they introduced a new language into a society where the main languages of Old and later Middle English had no definite spelling rules. These languages were more often spoken than written, so they blended freely with one another. Contributing to this mixing of tongues was the fact that medieval scribes spelled words according to sound, ensuring that a person's name would appear differently in nearly every document in which it was recorded. The name has been spelled Gillham, Gillam, Gilliam, Gilham, Gillem, Gillum, Giliam, Gwillam, Gwillham, Gwilliam, Gwilham, Gyllham, Gylham and many more. First found in Essex where they had been granted lands by King William, Duke of Normandy, for their assistance at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

Haynes

The history of the name haynes begins with the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is derived from the baptismal name for Haine. As the naming tradition grew in Europe baptismal names began to be introduced in many countries. Baptismal names were sometimes given in honor of Christian saints and other biblical figures. There are very few Christian countries in Europe that did not adopt surnames from these religious figures. The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries; therefore, spelling variations are common among early Anglo-Saxon names. As the form of the English language changed, even the spelling of literate people's names evolved. haynes has been recorded under many different variations, including Haines, Hains, Hain, Haine, Haynes, Hainson and others. First found in Lincolnshire where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Monson

We must look to France for the early Origins of the name monson for it is here that the name was derived from Monceaux, who was descended from the ancient lords of Maers and Monceaux, Counts of Nevers. The Count of Nevers (c. 990) had a son named Landric of Nevers who was grandfather of William de Monson who is mentioned by Wace in 1066. This same person appears as William de Moncellis in the Exeter Domesday and as William de Nevers in Norfolk in 1086. 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 Monson, Munson, Mounson and others. First found in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire where the aforementioned William descendants settled. The ancestry of this distinguished Norman name can be traced to Carleton, Lincolnshire when they were Lords of the manor Antecedent to 1200. Thomas de Monceaux (d. 1345) seized the manors of Killingholm and Keleby. His son, Sir John de Monceaux (or Monson) (d. 1363) seized Burton, all in the Lincolnshire.

Morison

The descendents of settlers in ancient Scotland were the first to use the name morison. It was derived from the name Maurice. This comes from the Latin personal name Mauritius, which means dark. Numerous legends exist for the Origins of this great Scottish clan. One old tale holds that the Clan's Norse forbears were shipwrecked off the Isle of Lewis, and saved themselves by clinging to driftwood; hence the Clan Plant badge is driftwood. Another branch claims descent from the O'Muircheasain bards of the outer Hebrides. This latter legend is not inconsistent with a possible shipwreck of the Norsemen, as many of the bardic missionaries from Ireland were of Norse descent. Others claim the Clan is descended from King Somerled, King of the Isles, who died in 1164. Again, this is compatible with history, as Somerled was descended from the Norse Kings of Ireland and gave origin to many of the more notable Scottish Clans.

Norleigh

Spelling variations of this family name include: Norley, Norley, Norleigh, Norlea, Norlie, Northley, Nothleigh, Northleigh, Norleighe, Norely and many more. First found in Cheshire where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor. The Saxon influence of English history diminished after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The language of the courts was French for the next three centuries and the Norman ambience prevailed. But Saxon surnames survived and the family name was first referenced in the 13th century when they held a family seat at Norley in that shire.

Pearson

pearson is an ancient Norman name that arrived in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The name pearson comes from the French given name Pierre, which is equivalent to the English Peter. A multitude of spelling variations characterize Norman surnames. Many variations occurred because Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules. The introduction of Norman French to England also had a pronounced effect, as did the court languages of Latin and French. Therefore, one person was often referred to by several different spellings in a single lifetime. The various spellings include Pearson, Peerson, Pierson, Peirson and others. First found in Berwickshire where the name was derived as "son of Pier." Walter Pierson of Berwickshire rendered homage to King Edward I of England on his brief conquest of Scotland in 1296.

Lindsey

The lindsey family originally lived in the parish of Lindsay in the northern English county of Ealdric de Lindsay held estates in both Normandy and in Lincolnshire, England. He was a tenant of English estates for the Earl of Chester. Spelling variations of this family name include: Lindsay, Lyndsay, Lyndsey, Lindesey, Lindsey and many more. First found in Lanarkshire where they were descended from Randolph Lord of Toeni who was banished by Duke William from Normandy in 1058 along with many other knights. He settled on the borders of Lincolnshire and Leicestershire and erected a barony known as Linesi including Belvoir Castle. When the Duke of Normandy invaded England he was again forced to move and settled on the lands of Crawford in Lanarkshire Scotland. Earl David of Huntingdon then King David of Scotland confirmed the lands to the Clan in 1124.

The Surname "Buller"

German

First found in Bavaria, where the name Buller became noted for its many branches with the region, each house acquiring a status and influence which was envied by the princes of the region. In their later history the family became a power unto themselves and were elevated to the ranks of nobility as they grew into this most influential family.

Spelling variations of this family name include: Buller, Buler, Buhller, Buhler, Beuller, Bueller, Beuler, Bueler, Boller, Boeler, Bohler, Bohller, Boeller, Boeler, Boehler, Boehller, Bullen, Bulen, Bullel, Bulel, Bullere, Bulere, Buellen, Buelen, Buellel, Buelel, Buellere, Buelere, Bollen, Bolen, Bollel, Bolel, Bollere, Bolere, Boellen, Boelen, Boellel, Boelel, Boellere, Boelere, Bewlar and many more.

English

The history of the buller family name begins after the Norman Conquest of 1066. They lived in Cornwall. Checking further we found the name was derived from the Flemish region of Boulaere, where the family resided before emigrating to England. Anglo-Norman names are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. When the Normans became the ruling people of England in the 11th century, they introduced a new language into a society where the main languages of Old and later Middle English had no definite spelling rules. These languages were more often spoken than written, so they blended freely with one another. Contributing to this mixing of tongues was the fact that medieval scribes spelled words according to sound, ensuring that a person's name would appear differently in nearly every document in which it was recorded. The name has been spelled Buller, Bullar, Buler and others. First found in Cornwall where they held a family seat from very early times and were granted lands by Duke William of Normandy, their liege Lord, for their distinguished assistance at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Agg

The name agg arrived in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The agg family lived in Oxfordshire. A multitude of spelling variations characterize Norman surnames. Many variations occurred because Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules. The introduction of Norman French to England also had a pronounced effect, as did the court languages of Latin and French. Therefore, one person was often referred to by several different spellings in a single lifetime. The various spellings include Agg, Agge, Aug, Auge and others. First found in Auge, as De Augo from Crevecoeur, Calvados, in Normandy. The family were bailiffs of the town of Auge. Henry, Duke of Normandy issued a writ insisting that the men of their ilk would not be allowed to attend the fair at Crevecoeur.

Buckworth

The ancestors of the bearers of the buckworth family name are thought have lived in ancient Anglo-Saxon England. They were first found in the county of Hertfordshire, at Broxbourne. Until quite recently, the English language has lacked a definite system of spelling rules. Consequently, Anglo-Saxon surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. Changes in Anglo-Saxon names were influenced by the evolution of the English language, as it incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other languages.

Although Medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, so it is common to find one person referred to by several different spellings of his surname, even the most literate people varied the spelling of their own names. Variations of the name buckworth include Buckworth, Buckworthe and others. First found in Hertfordshire where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Haliburton

Spelling variations of this family name include: Halliburton, Haliburton, Haleyburton, Hollyburton, Halyburton, Halburton, Heliburton and many more. First found in Berwickshire where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Soame

Spelling variations of this family name include: Soam, Soams, Soames, Somes, Soame, Soan, Soanes and others. First found in Suffolk where they held a family seat from very ancient times, as Lords of the manor of Berkesden, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Borthwick

The BoRTHwicK family name comes from a place name that was first used among the Viking settlers who arrived in the shores of Scotland in the Middle Ages. The BoRTHwicK name comes from someone having lived in the old barony of Borthwick, next to 'Borthwick Water' between Selkirk and Roxburghshire. Bearers of this surname have inhabited this area since at least the 14th century. Documents first mention 'Quondam' Thomas de Borthwick, who held lands in Middleton, MidLothian, and who had a charter from John of Gordon, Lord of that Ilk, for the lands near Lauder, between 1357 and 1367.Translation and spelling were non-standardized practices in the Middle Ages, so scribes had only their ears to rely on. This was a practice of extremely limited efficiency, and spelling variations in names, even within a single document, were the result. Over the years, BoRTHwicK has appeared Borthwick, Borthwicke, Barthwick, Barthwicke, Borthock, Borthok and many more. First found in Roxburghshire where this family prospered through an uncertain era of raiding, feuding and warring in Southern Scotland. By 1400, the Border feuds had taken shape into a Code, which although to us at this time may seem like straight outlawry, was a strict set of rules governing the apparent indiscriminate burning of homes and theft of cattle, horses and even women.

Black

The Origins of the Anglo-Saxon name blacke come from its first bearer, who was a person associated with the color black. The name blacke may have referred to someone with black hair or clothing, or to somone who worked in a profession such as chimney sweeping, which left its practitioners covered in soot {Laughter aside: please remember that the source of the name histories is "White"}. The 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. blacke has been spelled many different ways, including Black, Blacke and others. First found in Lincolnshire where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D. It is said that the first family of Black were converted to Christianity by Paulinus, the head of the family being Prefect of Lincoln, about 628. They moved northward, however, and were well established in Scotland by 1175 A.D.

Ashford

The proud ashford family originated in Cornwall, a rugged coastal region in southwestern England. In early times, people were known by only a single name. However, as the population grew and people travelled further afield, it became increasingly necessary to assume an additional name to differentiate between bearers of the same personal name. The manner in which hereditary surnames arose is interesting. Local surnames are derived from where the original bearer lived, was born, or held land. The ashford family originally lived at Ayshford, in Cornwall. The ashford surname was also derived from the Old English words aesc and ford which meant a ford where ash trees grew. Cornish surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. The frequent changes in surnames are due to the fact that the Old and Middle English languages lacked definite spelling rules. The official court languages, which were Latin and French, were also influential on the spelling of a surname. Since the spelling of surnames was rarely consistent in medieval times, and 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 of their surname in the ancient chronicles. Moreover, a large number of foreign names were brought into England, which accelerated and accentuated the alterations to the spelling of various surnames. Lastly, spelling variations often resulted from the linguistic differences between the people of Cornwall and the rest of England. The Cornish spoke a unique Brythonic Celtic language which was first recorded in written documents during the 10th century. However, they became increasingly Anglicized, and Cornish became extinct as a spoken language in 1777, although it has been revived by Cornish patriots in the modern era. The name has been spelled Aishford, Ashford, Ayshford, Aysford, Asford, Asseford and many more. First found in Ayshford, in the county of Cornwall, and in the County of Devon, from earliest times, and in later years a branch of the family migrated eastward to Kent. There are at least two references to the name in the Domesday Book: Aisseford and Aiseforda. Both were listed in Devon.

Agas is an ancient Anglo-Saxon surname that came from the baptismal name for the son of Agace. Agas has been recorded under many different variations, including Haggas, Haggis, Hagis, Hagass, Haggist, Hagges, Hages, Hagus, Hagase, Aggas, Agas, Aggs, Agace, Agus and many more.