Tracing the Musgrave Legacy

Uncover the profound history of the Musgrave name, a cornerstone of our family research at Ancestors. Delve into its ancient origins, geographical ties, and the enduring legacy that continues to shape our understanding of the past. Join us on a journey through generations.

The etymology of a name

 The name 'Musgrave' is steeped in history, originating as an office rather than a place. 'Grave' means governor, steward, or keeper. This is akin to terms like 'shire-grave' (sheriff), 'land-grave' in Germany, or 'margrave' (mark-grave), which denotes a count or warden of the marches. While 'Musegrave' and 'Margrave' may sound similar, our research at Ancestors suggests they are distinct. The true meaning lies deeper in its administrative roots.

From Musgrave to Eden-hall

 The Musgrave family, from whom the place itself takes its name, resided in Musgrave for centuries. They later relocated to Hartley Castle and eventually settled at Eden-hall in Cumberland, where their lineage continues today. Contrary to popular belief, this family did not receive their name from being wardens of the marches against Scotland, as the name's origins predate the introduction of that specific border office. Our Ancestors research unveils the true trajectory of this distinguished family.

The Land of Musgrave

 The parish of Musgrave holds significant historical weight. It is bounded to the East by the parishes of Rumaldkirk and Brough, to the South by Kirkby Stephen and Crosby Garret, and to the West and North by the parish of Warcop. The learned Junius, quoting Hesychius, explains the word 'Muse' as 'domesticum atrium' or the curtilage about the house. In this light, the office of 'Musegrave' as the keeper of this domestic precinct becomes clear, providing a fascinating glimpse into ancient local governance.

Musgrave Ancestors:

Gamel Lord of Musgrave,

31st Great Grandfather:
 Born around 1030, his birth place, may have been Great Musgrave in Westmorland, England, but more than likely he was born in Normandy. Gamel was living during the Reign of Edward the Confessor 1042-1065/66, Edward’s mother Emma was from Normandy, and Edward, had spent a long time in Normandy during his younger years’.
Gamel may of come over to England during Edward’s Reign, or he arrived with William the Conqueror, at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

Wascelinus Lord of Musgrave,

30th Great Grandfather:
 Born about 1065, and like his father may have been born in Westmorland or Normandy. He succeeded his father as Lord of Musgrave, and had other manors in Cumberland. 

Stephen de Musgrave, 29th Great Grandfather:
 Born about 1095 at Musgrave in Westmorland, succeeded his father as Lord of Musgrave, he died about 1167.

Peter de Musgrave, 28th Great Grandfather:
 Born at Great Musgrave in about 1125, dead about 1154.

​Robert de Musgrave, 27th Great Grandfather:

Born about 1146 at Great Musgrave in Westmorland, he married Matilda de Carevile. he died about 1190.

Adam de Musgrave Sir, 26th Great Grandfather: 

c. 1170-1216, Born at Great Musgrave, died at Sandford. Lord of Musgrave.

Alicia de Holebec 26th Great Grandmother: c. 1174-1210.

 The daughter of Wido de Holebec. Great grandparents of King Charles III; Lady Di; and Winston Churchill.

Thomas de Musgrave, 25th Great Grandfather: 

c. 1196-1265. Lord of Sanford.

Alice de Sandford 25th Great Grandmother: c. 1200                   The daughter of William de Sandford c. 1170-1203.

Richard de Musgrave, 24th Great Grandfather: 

c. 1226-1301, married Christina.  He was appointed, Knight. He held the office of sheriff of Westmorland in 1261. he was joint tax collector in Cumberland and Coroner of Westmorland in 1297. He died in January 1301/02.

Thomas de Musgrave Sir, 23rd Great Grandfather: 

c. 1280-1314, died 21st August 1314, at Great Musgrave.

Sarah de Harcla, 23rd Great Grandmother:

 The daughter of Michael de Harcla Sheriff of Cumberland.

Thomas de Musgrave, 22nd Great Grandfather: c. 1302-1385,  

 Deputy Sheriff of Westmorland in 1339, M.P. Member of Parliament for Westmorland between 1340-1344, he was keeper of the Western March 1345-1346, he fought in the Battle of Neville’s Cross in October 1346. He was created 1st Lord Musgrave on the 25th November 1350, although none of his successors were called to Parliament by that title or by writ of summons at all. He held the office of Governor of Berwick in 1377. ​ 

Margaret de Ross, 22nd Great Grandmother:

The daughter of William de Ross of Yelton in Yorkshire.

Thomas de Musgrave, 21st Great Grandfather: 

c. 1337 at Hartley Castle near Kiekby Stephen, in Westmorland. Sheriff of Cumberland. 

Elizabeth FitzWilliam, 21st Great Grandmother: The daughter of William of Sportsburgh in Yorkshire.

Richard de Musgrave, 20th Great Grandfather: 

c. 1355 at Musgrave in Westmorland. He died at Hartley Castle.

Elizabeth Wollaston 20th Great Grandmother:

c. 1358-1416

Thomas de Musgrave Sir, 19th Great Grandfather: c. 1378-1407 at Hartley Castle. Justice of the Peace for Westmorland in 1390, Justice of the Peace for Cumberland in 1392, Sheriff of Cumberland 1391-1392.

Joan de Dacre 19th Great Grandmother: c. 1374-1456

Richard de Musgrave, 18th Great Grandfather: 

 c. 1398-1464 at Hartley Castle. Justice of the Peace, he was knighted in about 1418. Under-Sheriff of Westmorland in 1423. He died the 9th November 1464 at Hartley Castle in Westmorland.

Elizabeth Betham 18th Great Grandmother:

 The daughter of Sir Thomas Betham

Thomas Musgrave Sir, 17th Great Grandfather: 

 c. 1417-1457 at Hartley Castle.

Joan Stapleton 17th Great Grandmother:                                     c. 1414-1472, the daughter of Sir William Stapleton. Joan brought Edenhall to the Musgrave family.

Eleanor Musgrave, 18th Great Grandmother: c. 1447, she married Christopher Lancaster.