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LE STRANGE

The le Strange Family are best known in Hunstanton, Norfolk, England, for their long recorded history of landholding since Domesday 1086.

Locals will be most familiar with the 19th Century figurehead, Henry Styleman le Strange who built the seaside Town of Hunstanton. The ancestral home, Hunstanton Hall, stands on the le Strange Estate, and in 1949, it was sold out of the Family. However, in the 1960’s-1980’s they kept a small foothold in the West Wing, which as children, my generation had the chance to enjoy.

From about 1150, the Family also held other Manors and fortified residences in what could be viewed as the le Strange Family ‘franchise’. This ‘franchise’ was in part due to provisions bequeathed upon many Family members, who also aided frontline defences.

Situated in the Marches of Shropshire, the elder Hunstanton branch grew to prominence at a site called Knockin Castle. This was the furthest outpost against Welsh invaders, and although their residences have fallen to ruin, they have become Graded Monuments.

For many centuries the Family documents would grow to fill the brim any medieval trunk, were safely housed at Hunstanton Hall, the earliest in the Family’s own collection was dated back by well known historian, Eyton, to circa. 1250-1275. From various sources including Court Rolls, their ardent loyalty to the Crown is evidenced, and their entire documented history spans over 939 years to today’s date (2025).

Synonymous with landed Knights and Barons, they were familiar in Royal circles. Their continuity after establishing themselves at Hunstanton during the post Norman Conquest era (by 1086) proved an unbreakable allegiance. When 12th Century politics necessitated their relocation to Shropshire (200 miles west of Hunstanton), they were to play pivotal roles on the front-line Marches of Shropshire, while continuing to hold their lands in Hunstanton.

As keepers of castles, and inhabitants of their own, they earnt their entry into the book: Keepers of the Kingdom: The Ancient Offices of Britain by Alastair Bruce, while at the Seat of the Hunstanton Estate.

Riding out as medieval battle leaders displaying banners and silk flags with their motto: Mihi Parta Tuerri illustrates how their determination in land defence was consistent and adherent.

The le Stranges of Knockin and Hunstanton (as well as the Irish) are one Family, and in the year 1310 the Heir of Knockin & Hunstanton created an amical (legal) diversion of the original Hunstanton inheritance. This was allocated to a younger brother from Knockin Castle.

As Hunstanton Estate & St. Mary the Virgin’s Church required renovations, this younger brother, Hamon, began. The Hunstanton Family is now referred to as the Junior branch.

While on the surface it appears that no member of the Shropshire le Stranges survived - this is deceptive. Knockin Castle was abandoned by the Barons, and through marriage, the Earls of Derby absorbed the Baron Strange Title. Naturally, the le Stranges of Knockin survived well under this guise rendering them perhaps ‘less’ strange than le Strange!

In contrast, today’s connection between the Hunstanton Family & the Earls of Derby is in the form of a Cousinship stemming back via marriage c. 1480. Additionally, another cousinship with the Lords of Mostyn of North Wales dates back via marriage in 1866.

One may also be familiar with the Portrait Sketches of Henry VIII’s court of the 1530’s by Hans Holbein the Younger. Sir Thomas le Strange, Esq. to the Body of Henry VIII can be found in part this Royal Collection and now hangs at Windsor Castle. Sir Thomas le Strange (my 14th G-Grandfather) was bound by court life in which Anne Boleyn featured prominently in his life. He was buried at St. Mary the Virgin’s Church, Hunstanton.

For many, this Church at Old Hunstanton, is a museum for the le Strange Family. Housing Tombs, polished plaques, and memorials, as well as the Family grave in the Churchyard outside, the church received much investment over centuries from the Family who saved it from ruin. The Norman font itself stands witness to nearly 1000 year’s worth of generations including le Strange Family Christenings which have continued till modern times.

This ancient Family history is evidence based. References from many sources via the Family records kept at the Norfolk Records Office, British Museum, Debretts Peerage, The Le Strange Records book by Hamon le Strange, and many more, and Court Rolls of Monarchs.

Website Publication Date 2025

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