This surname of BALES was of the occupational group of surnames 'the bale' a cross-bowman or archer. Occupational surnames originally denoted the actual occupation followed by the individual. At what period they became hereditary is a difficult problem. Many of the occupation names were descriptive and could be varied. In the Middle Ages, at least among the Christian population, people did not usually pursue specialized occupations exclusively to the extent that we do today, and they would, in fact, turn their hand to any form of work that needed to be done, particularly in a large house or mansion, or on farms and smallholdings. In early documents, surnames often refer to the actual holder of an office, whether the church or state. The name was found frequently in medieval documents. Most of the occupations or professions reflected in family names are those known in the small villages in Europe, or those followed in a king's or important noble's household, or in some large religious house or monastry. During the middle ages much of Europe was composed of small villages, and the occupations would be used to describe the bearer. Early records of the name mention Stephen filius Bale, 1273, County Somerset. Leonard del Baille of Yorkshire, was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. John Bale (1495-1563) was an English cleric and dramatist born in Cove, near Dunwich. He was a Carmelite by training, but turned Protestant in 1533. In 1540, because of the religious unrest of the country, he had to flee to Germany, but was re-called by Edward V1. and made Bishop of Ossory in Leinster. He was nicknamed ' Bilious Bale ' and made himself so obnoxious to Catholics with his writings, that they attacked his house, and killed five of his servants. On the accession of Queen Elizabeth 1. he was made prebendary of Canterbury. At first the coat of arms was a practical matter which served a function on the battlefield and in tournaments. With his helmet covering his face, and armour encasing the knight from head to foot, the only means of identification for his followers, was the insignia painted on his shield, and embroidered on his surcoat, the draped and flowing garment worn over the armour. |
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