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  Cressall Family Crest / Cressall Coat of ArmsThis surname CRESSALL was a locational name 'of Creswell' the name of various places in England that get their names from the Old English 'coerse' (watercress) and 'wella' (spring or stream). Examples can be found in County Northumberland and County Staffordshire. Local surnames, by far the largest group, derived from a place name where the man held land or from the place from which he had come, or where he actually lived. These local surnames were originally preceded by a preposition such as "de", "atte", "by" or "in". The names may derive from a manor held, from working in a religious dwelling or from literally living by a wood or marsh or by a stream. Surnames as we know them today were first assumed in Europe from the 11th to the 15th Century. They were not in use in England or in Scotland before the Norman Conquest, and were first found in the Domesday Book. The employment in the use of a second name was a custom that was first introduced from the Normans. They themselves had not long before adopted them. It became, in course of time, a mark of gentler blood, and it was deemed a disgrace for gentlemen to have but one single name, as the meaner sort had. It was not until the reign of Edward II (1307-1327) it became general practice amongst all people. Early records of the name mention Thomas de Cresewell, County Stafford, who was documented in the year 1272. Robert Cressewyle was recorded in County Derbyshire in 1273. Ricardus Cresuill of Yorkshire, was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. John Creswell of Yorkshire, registered at Oxford University in 1591. 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 flowing and draped garment worn over the armour. The associated coat of arms is recorded in Sir Bernard Burkes General Armory. Ulster King of Arms in 1884. |
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