Kenton

This locational name is particularly interesting as it is another development of the Olde English 'cyne-tun' meaning 'the King's Farm' and found in the locational names of Kenton, Kington and Kingston. These village names are found throughout England and illustates the original hold of the Ruler in medieval times. The modern name means 'the tenant of the King's farm' or was given to the original name holder when he or she moved to another area. As 'Kynetone' it is first recorded in the Domesday Book (1066) for Devon. The Kenstons of Kenton in Suffolk held a Coat of Arms being a black shield charged with two bars and three cinquefoils in gold. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Stephen de Kyngton which was dated 1273 The Pipe Rolls of Norfolk during the reign of King Edward I, the Hammer of the Scots, 1272 - 1307. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.