The Ancient History of the Distinguished Surname Angilly
he distinguished
surname Angilly is one of the most notable Anglo/Saxon surnames, and its
historical trail has emerged from the mists of time to become an influential
surname of the middle ages and of the present day. 
In an in-depth research of such ancient manuscripts as the Domesday Book
compiled in 1086 A.D., by Duke William of Normandy, the Ragman Rolls (1291-1296)
collected by King Edward 1st of England, the Curia Regis Rolls,
The Pipe Rolls, the Hearth Rolls, parish registers, baptismals, tax records
and other ancient documents, researchers found the first record of the
name Angilly in Lancashire where they were seated from very early times,
some say before the Norman Conquest of England by Duke William in 1066
A.D. It is likely that this name originated in one of the conquering families
of Angles who settled in Lancashire after the conquest of the Strathclyde
Britons. The name was written in early records as Anglicus, but the name
was carried from England to France as D'Anglars. 
Confusing to most, we found many different spellings in the archives researched.
Although your name, Angilly, occurred in many manuscripts, from time to
time the surname was also spelt Angell, Angle, Anegall, Anegal, Anegol,
and these changes in spelling frequently occurred, even between father
and son. There is one record, a father and eight sons. In the graveyard
where they are all buried, all nine have different spellings of their surnames.
Many reasons were revealed for these spelling variations but mainly church
officials and scribes spelt the name as it was told to them.
The family name Angilly is one of the most notable of the ancient Anglo/Saxon
race. This founding race of England, a fair skinned people led by the Saxon
General/Commanders Hengist and Horsa, settled in Kent from about the year
400 A. D. The Angles, on the other hand, occupied the eastern coast.
The Anglo/Saxon five-century domination of English society was an uncertain
time, and the nation divided into five separate kingdoms, a high king being
elected as supreme ruler.
By 1066, King Harold came to the throne of England which was enjoying reasonable
peace and prosperity. However, the Norman invasion from France and their
victory at the Battle of Hastings, found many of the vanquished Saxon land
owners forfeiting their land to Duke William and his invading nobles. They
became oppressed under Noman rule, and some moved northward to the midlands,
Lancashire and Yorkshire, even into Scotland.
The family name Angilly emerged as a notable English name in the county
of Lancashire where they were seated from early times. By the 15th
century they had become firmly entrenched in the city of London and were
seated at Camberwell in Surrey. They also branched to Paignton and Plymouth
in Devonshire, and to the city of Bristol. They are presently seated at
Northey Island. Notable amongst the family at this time was Charles Frederick
Angell, Camberwell in Surrey.
For the next two or three centuries bearers of the surname Angilly flourished
and played a significant role in the political development of England.
During the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries
England was ravaged by religious and political conflict. Puritanism, Catholicism,
Royalist and parliamentary forces shed much blood. Many families were freely
"encouraged" to migrate to Ireland, or to the "colonies".
Some were rewarded with grants of lands, others were banished.
In Ireland, settlers became known as the Adventurers seeking land in Ireland.
Called "undertakers" they undertook to maintain the Protestant
faith. There is no record of this distinguished family migrating to Ireland,
but this does not preclude the possibility of individual migration.
Meanwhile the new world beckoned and migration continued, some voluntarily
from Ireland, but mostly directly from England or Scotland, their home
territories. Some clans and families even moved to the European continent.
Kinsmen of the family name Angilly were amongst the many who sailed aboard
the armada of small sailing ships known as the "White Sails"
which plied the stormy Atlantic. These overcrowded ships were pestilence
ridden, sometimes 30% to 40% of the passenger list never reaching their
destination, their numbers reduces by sickness or the elements.
Principal amongst the settlers which could be considered a kinsman of the
surname Angilly, or a variable spelling of that family name was John Angell
of England who settled in Rhode Island in 1631. In Newfoundland, Samuel
Angell who settled in Petty Harbour in 1725; Samuel Angel was a fisherman
of St. John's in 1790; Thomas in Fermeuse in 1800; Samuel in Petty Harbour
was married in St. John's in 1822; James born in Halifax Nova Scotia moved
to St. John's in 1850; Benjamin was a fisherman in English Harbour in 1871;
Isaac was a telegraph operator in Heart's Content in 1871. There is an
Angel Cove and Angel Head in Newfoundland.
The trek from the port of entry was also arduous and many joined the wagon
trains to the praries or to the west coast. During the American War of
Independence, many loyalists made their way north to Canada about 1790,
and became known as the United Empire Loyalists.
20th century notables of this surname, Angilly, include many
distinguished persons, Anthony Angel, Educator.
Research has determined the above Coat of Arms to be the most ancient recorded
for the family surname Angilly.
Certification # - 943320-12.09 H-9291
© Copyright 1994, The Hall of
Names Inc. All rights reserved
Last Updated on March 30, 1997 by Bob
Angilly