Monshall

This is an anglicized varient spelling of the Olde French name Mauncell, commonly found as Marsell and meaning 'One who dwells at the Manse' an area of land large enough to support a family. The name can also be locational, and mean a former inhabitant of the famous town of Le Mans in Maine, Northern France. The name was introduced by the Normans after the 1066 invasion. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Turtinus Mansel. which was dated 1148, The Pipe Rolls of Hampshire. during the reign of King Stephen (Stephen of Blois) 1135 - 1154. 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.