ARCHIVES

For many centuries the Family documents would grow, to fill the brim of many medieval trunks. When the Family lived at Hunstanton Hall, these documents were housed in their Muniment Room. The earliest in the Family’s own collection has been dated back, by renowned historian, Eyton, to the mid 13th Century, circa. 1250-1275 suggesting that the document itself had remained onsite since that time.

From various sources including Court Rolls, their loyalty to the Crown is evidenced, and their entire documented history spans over 939 years to today’s date (2025). 

The le Strange Collection is now held at Norfolk Records Office and since the fire there in August 1, 1994, the files now fill a room size of approx. 11 x 13 feet.

MARCHER LORDS

These landed Knights and Barons were familiar in Royal circles throughout. (Until into the 21st Century, notably when the Royals came to live at Sandringham as neighbours the le Stranges and Royals enjoyed participating in shooting parties).

Continuity after establishing themselves as a Hunstanton landowning Family 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 as the Marches Lords. It was in Shropshire they raised their Families whilst remaining proprietors of their Hunstanton lands.

Not only were they castle keepers, they kept their own castles too. (see the Monuments page). Today they gained an entry into the book:

Keepers of the Kingdom: The Ancient Offices of Britain by Alastair Bruce.

This book focuses on what merged into their junior branch at the Seat of the Hunstanton Estate.

Having once rode 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 to their values.

HUNSTANTON DIVERSION

The le Stranges of Knockin and Hunstanton (as well as the Irish) are all related, and in the year 1310 the Heir of Knockin & Hunstanton created an amicable (and legal) diversion of the original Hunstanton inheritance which was allocated to a younger brother, Hamon le Strange, who was from the elder Knockin Castle branch - which at the time belonged to his brother John VI le Strange.

Hamon le Strange’s Tomb can be viewed at St. Mary the Virgin Church, Old Hunstanton. Both Hunstanton Estate & St. Mary the Virgin’s Church required renovations, so Hamon, being motivated, began his building work. For this reason, the Hunstanton Family is now referred to as the Junior branch. Hamon’s son took over the restorative building work following Hamon’s premature death in 1317. It was Hamon’s younger brother, Eubulo (Eble le Strange) who features in real life drama of his infamous wife, Alice, Countess of Lincoln, who is said to have been abducted in May 1317 (the same year Hamon passed away).

BLOODLINE

While on the surface it appears that no bloodline of the Shropshire le Stranges survived - this is deceptive. Knockin Castle was abandoned around 15th century when an only surviving heiress, Baroness le Strange married into the Earls of Derby line, into which the existing ‘Baron Strange’ title was naturally absorbed. The le Stranges of Knockin bloodline survived well under this guise rendering them perhaps ‘less’ strange than le Strange! However, the direct bloodline of younger branch of the le Stranges of Hunstanton continues to this day.

EARLS & LORDS

In contrast, today’s connection between the Hunstanton Family & the Earls of Derby is through Cousinship stemming back via this Family marriage c. 1480. A more modern Cousinship connection with the Lords of Mostyn of North Wales dates back via marriage in 1866 via my Great Grandmother Katherine Mostyn. 

TUDORS

One may also be familiar with Henry VIII’s Tudor court from the art collection of Hans Holbein the Younger. Sir Thomas le Strange, Esq. to the Body of Henry VIII can be found sketched in this Royal Collection which 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 apparently buried at St. Mary the Virgin’s Church, Hunstanton, however, no grave, or no name is verifiable.

ST. MARY THE VIRGIN CHURCH

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 graves 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 le Strange Family gatherings, and whose generations include many Christenings that have continued till modern times including my own.

NOTES:

This ancient Family history is evidence based. References from many sources via the once private Family records now 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