The chronicles of England show the early records of the name Sutton
to be derived from the Norman race. There it appears in England
from about 1066 A.S. and its history is interwoven within the majestic
tapestry which contains the history of England. Professional
researchers used such ancient manuscripts as the Domesday Book (compiled
in 1086 by William the Conqueror), the Ragman Rolls, the Wace poem, the
Honour Roll of the Battel Abbey, The Curia Regis, Pipe Rolls, the
Falaise Roll, tax records, baptismals, family henealogies and local
parish and church records to establish that the first record of the name
Sutton was found in Nottinghamshire where they were descended from Drey
de Maontaigu who came into England at the Norman Conquest in 1066 A.D.
in the train of the Count of Mortain. His first seat was at Sutton
Montague in Somerset and the family later acquired Sutton upon Trent
near Tuxford in Nottingham, where they became Lords of the manor and the
Barons Dudley.
The name Sutton, occurred in many references, but from time to time,
spellings included Sutton, Suton, Suttone and many others. Scribes
recorded and spelled the name as it sounded. It wasn't unlikely
that a prson would be born with one spelling, married with another and
buried with a headstone which showed another spelling.
The Normans were commonly believed to be of French origin but, more
accurately, they were of Viking origin. The Vikings landed in the
Orkneys and Northern Scotland about the year 870 A.D., under their King,
Stirgud the Stout. Later, under their Earl, Thorfinn Rollo, they
invaded France about 910. A.D. The French King, Charles the
Simple, after Rollo laid siege to Paris, finally conceded defeat and
granted northern France to Rollo. Duke William, who invaded and
defeated England in 1066, was descended from the first Duke Rollo of
Normandy.
The surnmae Sutton emerged as a notable family name in the county of
Nottingham. Many junior branches of this prolific family acquired
many estates, during the medieval period, including Norwood Park,
Scofton, West Retford, Kelham and Averham in Nottingham.
Amongst the titles in this notable family are the Barons Lexington,
Lords Manners, Viscounts Canterbury, Count de Clonard and many Baronets.
Amongst the offices held were, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord
High Chancellor of Ireland, Speaker of the House of Commons and founders
of Brasenose Dollege, Oxford. Outstanding amongst the family at
this time was Hervey of Sutton, first Lord of Sutton Upon Trent.
The surname Sutton contributed much to local politics and in the
affairs of England or Scotland. During the 12th century many of
these Norman families moved north to Scotland. Later in the 16th ,
17th and 18th centuries England was ravaged by religious and political
conflict. The Monarchy, the Church and Parliament fought for
supremacy. The unrest caused many to think of distant lands.
|
