Coat of Arms & Family Crests Store
Goatley Coat of Arms / Goatley Family CrestSURNAMES 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. This surname GOATLEY was derived from the French Gautier, a name which was brought to England in the wake of the Norman Conquest of 1066. It was a baptismal name 'the son of Gauthier' a name meaning 'to rule'. 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. Early records of the name mention Edwin Gotley, who was recorded in County Surrey in 1273, and William Goatley was documented in London in the year 1300. Thomas Goatley of Yorkshire, was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379.The earliest French hereditary surnames are found in the 12th century, at more or less the same time as they arose in England, but they are by no means common before the 13th century, and it was not until the 15th century that they stabilized to any great extent; before then a surname might be handed down for two or three generations, but then abandoned in favour of another. In the south, many French surnames have come in from Italy over the centuries, and in Northern France, Germanic influence can often be detected. The associated coat of arms is recorded in Rietstaps Armorial General. Registered in France. |
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