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The name Mansell was brought to England in the great wave of immigration following the Norman Conquest of 1066. First found in Glamorgan where they were anciently seated as Lords of the Manor of Oxwick. Their name, however, is a reference to the family's place of residence prior to the Norman Conquest of England, which was Le Mans, Normandy. An idea also prevails that the name is derived from the French word, "maunche," a sleeve, and on the coat-of-arms appear three sleeves.
Spelling variations of this family name include: Maunsell, Maunsel, Mansel, Mansell, Mancel, Mauncell, Mauncel, Mannsell, Mannsel, Monsell, Monsall, Munsill, Mansel, Moncil, Munsel and Muncil, and many more. Despite the variations in orthography, the family history shows that they are of one line alone.
A branch of the family settled in Ireland and is known as Monsell of Tervoe.
Sir Philip de Maunsell of Normandy was one of the companions of William the Conqueror , Duke of Normandy in the invasion and conquest of England by the Normans in 1066. (The Battle of Hasting) His eldest son Henry Maunsell was the father of Sir John Maunselll, Lord Chancellor of St. Paul's and keeper of the Kings Seal. His son, sir Henry Maunsell settled in Glamorganshire and was the ancestor of Sir Thomas Mansell created Baronet and of Sir Thomas Mansell who was created Baron Mansell of Margam. The family is thought to have omitted the "u" during the reign of Queen Elizabeth.
Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Henry Mancel who settled in Philadelphia Pa. in 1811; John Mansel settled in Virginia in 1653; John Mansell settled in Virginia in 1650; Robert Mansell settled in New England in 1679.
David, number 22 on my list of descendants. In August 1619 (13 months before the Mayflower landed in Plymouth Mass.) left London on the Bona Nova, a three mast ship 90 feet long. He was one of 120 passengers on board sent by the Virginia Company.
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