The families with a "Fitz-" prefix go back to some of the supporters and soldiers of William the Conqueror, the first Norman king of England. William's invasion of 1066 established the unification of England. The invaders were given land as a prize which was maintained from that period to the present. Beyond that the Fitz prefix is a family name of Normandy, France established by Danish invasions and settlement. Earliest connections go back to some of the first Danish kings, Gorm the Old of about 936 was succeeded by his son, Harald Bluetooth. Harald went off each season for raiding and pillaging from Denmark to Normandy.[wikipedia.com]
Some researchers and historians of heraldry have claimed that the name goes back to the Norman invasions of William the Conqueror. Land was distributed to his followers. One of the earliest names mentioned is Bruning de Cestretona of 1086 in Cornwall. Robertus filius Bruning is listed in Yorkshire in 1203. Agnes Browning of Yorkshire is listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. [www.4crests.com]
Source used by Family Tree Search:
Collection: Records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury Date range: 16 November 1641 - 16 November 1641
Reference: PROB 11/187/354
Subjects: Wills and probate
I have no other information on this family at this time. The lists are based on the research of others. The Browning family members were residents in the Gloucestershire region before 1335 and had been major businessmen, land owners, sheriffs, members of parliament and hosts to various noblemen over the years. The name may be spelled as Bruning, Brunyn, Brounyng as well as Browning.
The building of the Gloucester Cathedral overlaps with this family. The foundation was laid in 1089 by Abbot Serlo with the fan vaulting in the cloisters invented here in 1350. King Edward II is buried here in the abbey in about 1242 which turned it into a pilgrimage site.
