| Home Surname List Name Index Sources Gedcom File | Second Generation2. Robert
LE DESPENCER.1 The
origins of the Spencer name come from the 11th Century A.D. in Norman England,
after the conquest of England by William the Conquerer in 1066. One of the Norman
knights, who accompanied William's order of knights, was Robert the DiSpencer.
He was the son of Amauri d'Abbetot. The name Spencer or DeSpencer comes from
the Latin dispensarius, or 'le dispencer' in Norman French, according to historians.
The term 'spence' also means a kitchen. However the intended meaning of Spencer
was 'Steward' or Stewart', one who is entrusted with the management of property
and finances, and that surname also derives from the same source. Robert DeSpencer
had fought along side William in his invasion of England, and was rewarded by
William for his support with land grants in County Bedford. His children who
took the surname, married into the royal blood which descended from English,
French and Spanish royalty lines. In 1086 Robert was granted the Motte and the
Bailey Castle in Tamworth Burges
Robert LE DESPENCER and (?) (?) had the following children:
|