The Illustrious Odyssey of the Hoyt De Haute ~Ville "High Estate" Family
The history of the Hoyt/Hayte De Haute-ville family is one filled with adventure, nobility, and a significant impact on the course of Western history, culture, and philosophy. Originating from Normandy and Lorraine to Kent, Somerset, and the Founding of New England America, their ancient founding lineage is intertwined with influential figures such as William the Conqueror, Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV, Queen Elizabeth Wydville, Queen Elizabeth of York, and King Henry VIII. Their ancient endeavors ranged from the establishment of the first Crusades to the promotion of Christianity in England, the construction of grand cathedrals, and their eventual involvement in the Puritan exodus to the New England colony. This article delves into the remarkable journey of the Hoyt/Hayte De Haute & De Hauteville family, highlighting their archaic legacy and contributions to the world of England, France, Europe, and America.
William Tecumseh Sherman-Hoyt Monument - Adobe Stock
I proudly trace my lineage back to the esteemed Hoyt family of America, a family with a rich history woven into the foundations of the United States Constitution. Our ancestral legacy can be traced from the influential Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, which laid the groundwork for modern democratic governance, to the pivotal role our family played as abolitionist protagonists in Wisconsin, vanguards of the Lincoln republic. The governing line of Hoyt includes notable family members: Henry Martyn Hoyt, Governor of Pennsylvania, John Wesley Hoyt, Governor of Wyoming Territory, John Philo Hoyt, Governor of Arizona Territory, William Tecumseh Sherman-Hoyt General of the Army, Senator John H. Sherman-Hoyt Principal Author of Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890, and their ascendant progenitor founding father & deacon in Thomas Hooker’s church, Simon Hoyt. Today, the Hoyt family continues to uphold the principles of liberty, justice, and progress, contributing to the ongoing evolution of the modern democratic republic we call home.
Regardless of nomenclature, isopoints of archaic heritage demonstrate how families are still related. Through the historical practice of changing surnames due to marriage, adoption and other societal pressures, many families have maintained a consistent naming pattern across generations. Isopoints connect parents and their children, as well as extended family members, through a common surname that has been shared since ancient times. This helps to ensure that families maintain a deep connection with their ancestors and have knowledge of their heritage including how their family name has evolved. In addition to heritage, isopoints can be used to uncover genealogical and familial ties between individuals. As time passes, isopoints will continue to serve as a testament to these enduring relationships. This Abrahamic tradition of tracing lineage has been repeated time immemorial from our contemporaries to Charlemagne and Carloman to Messianic Davidic ancestry.
The De Hauteville family traces its roots to the same Normandy & England regions as the traversing ancient noble family, De Haute (aka Fitz Haute) of Metz Lorraine during the time of Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV and William the Conqueror, who established themselves in England. The ancestors of the legendary De Hautes may have been at one time captured and released by the De Hautevilles. It has been said they trace their lineage to Gerard de Lorraine, Gerard Girardis de Paris, Carloman, Pepin the Short, Saint Martel, and Senator Tonantius Ferreolus, Narbonne and Rome. The donation of Pepin provided the legal basis for the creation of the Papal States. Led by Robert Guiscard and his brother Roger, the De Hauteville family of Normandy rose to prominence during the 11th century. These ambitious brothers embarked on a conquest that would shape the destiny of Europe. The Norman Conquest of England in 1066 marked a significant apex for the De Haute family. William the Conqueror, who was of Norman origin, sought to further Christendom in England. The De Haute family arrived during this time and participated in the establishment of monasteries and cathedrals across the country, including the illustrious Canterbury Cathedral. The De Hauteville brothers played a pivotal role in the First Crusades, launched in 1095. Their military prowess and strategic brilliance were instrumental in the success of the Crusaders. The De Hautevilles, alongside other noble families, led campaigns not only in the Levant but also in territories including England and Sicily. Kent and Dover were never besieged by William the Conqueror, with their people receiving gavelkind preservation of rights. This land became the settlement of the De Haute family lineage. Their county motto is “Invicta,” meaning “undefeated.”
Normandy - Adobe Stock
Metz Lorraine - Adobe Stock
In the historical context of Kent, prominent figures from the De Haute ville/estate family, Sir William De Haute (nephew to Queen Elizabeth Wydville and cousin to Queen Elizabeth of York, First House of Tudor Queen), his father William De Haute (MP), and his grandfather Sir Nicholas De Haute, emerged as influential members of parliament, knights, sheriffs, steward to Christ Church Priory, Canterbury and keepers of Canterbury Castle. Their roles and contributions in Kent were of significant importance. Their ancestor, Sir William De Haute senior (grandfather to Nicholas De Haute), a descendant of the Anglo-Normans and Dukes of Lorraine, distinguished himself as a knight in Kent during the medieval period. As the sheriff of Kent, a position of authority responsible for maintaining law and order within the county. Additionally, William De Haute assumed the crucial role of keeper of Canterbury Castle. This position granted him the responsibility of safeguarding the strategic fortress and ensuring its defense against potential threats. Canterbury Castle, located in the heart of the city, played a vital role in protecting the region and maintaining the security of Canterbury itself. Nicholas De Haute also held significant positions of influence in Kent. Like William, Nicholas De Haute served as a knight, showcasing his bravery. Additionally, he served as a sheriff, undertaking the important task of upholding the rule of law and maintaining order within the county. Nicholas's role as a sheriff ensured the fair administration of justice and the protection of the region's inhabitants.
The De Haute family, known for their distinguished lineage, enjoyed a close relationship with royalty, often serving as yeoman to the monarchy. Their reputation extended throughout the Kent area, where they were regarded with great respect and influence. In particular, the family's connection to the region was so profound that Bishopsbourne, a village in Kent, came to be known as "Hautesbourne" in recognition of their significant presence and influence. The village itself became a testament to the enduring legacy and impact of the De Haute family in the local community. Their noble heritage, combined with their commitment to duty and service, elevated their standing and solidified their place among the esteemed families of Kent.
Canterbury Cathedral - Adobe Stock
The De Haute family's involvement in positions such as knights, sheriffs, and keepers of Canterbury Castle exemplifies their high social status and the trust placed in them by the local authorities. Their roles not only contributed to the stability and security of Kent but also showcased the family's esteemed position within the region. The efforts of William De Haute and Nicholas De Haute in their various roles left a lasting impact on the history of Kent. Their bravery, leadership, and commitment to their duties helped shape the social and political landscape of the county, leaving behind a legacy of honor and service.
During the Tudor era, which spanned the 16th century, England experienced a surge of nationalism under the reign of King Henry VIII. In the early years of the dynasty, a significant migration of Protestants occurred from Kent to Somerset. This movement was driven by various factors, including religious, economic, and political circumstances. This marked a crucial turning point in English history, as he sought to break away from the authority of the Roman Catholic Church and establish the Church of England. This religious shift caused upheaval and division within the country, leading to the emergence of Protestantism as an alternative to Catholicism. In Kent, a stronghold of Catholicism, the implementation of religious reforms and the increasing persecution of Protestants under Queen Mary I's reign created an environment of religious intolerance and oppression. Many individuals and families who held Protestant beliefs sought refuge and a chance to freely practice their faith in other parts of the country. Somerset, located in southwestern England, became an attractive destination for these Protestant migrants. The county offered the promise of religious tolerance and a more sympathetic environment for their beliefs. Moreover, Somerset was experiencing its own economic and agricultural advancements, with opportunities for landownership and improved livelihoods. These factors, coupled with the desire for religious freedom, enticed many Kentish Protestants to undertake the journey to Somerset. The Tudor period was characterized by religious transformation and the rise of Protestantism in England. The migration of Protestants from Kent to Somerset during this time exemplified the quest for religious freedom and the pursuit of a better life. The movement not only facilitated the spread of Protestant beliefs but also brought about societal and economic changes that would leave a lasting imprint on the history of both Kent and Somerset.
This period also witnessed a linguistic transformation known as the Great Vowel Shift. As English became the dominant language in the royal court, French gradually lost its popularity. Consequently, a branch of the De Haute family began adapting their name to the less French-sounding "Hayte" (anecdotal, not fully documented). The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century had a profound impact on religious and political landscapes. The family, now embracing Protestantism, played a significant role in this transformative period.
As devout Puritans, they sought religious freedom and embarked on the Puritan exodus to the New England colony in America. The American patriarch Simon “Goodman” Hayte, bearing the modified surname "Hait/Hayte," became a prominent figure in the New England colony. His unwavering dedication to constitutional values shared with Thomas Hooker laid the foundation for the Fundamental Orders, precursing the American Constitution. The Hayte (Hoyt) family's commitment to liberty, democracy, and religious freedom profoundly influenced the shaping of the United States.
As the Hayte family settled in the New England colony, their name gradually underwent further transformations. The phonetic shifts in the American and English languages played a significant role in this evolution. While maintaining the "Hayte/Hait/Haight" spelling for some time, the pronunciation slowly shifted to a sound closer to "Hoyt." This shift can be attributed to the American/English vowel shift, which incorporated elements from the original French "au/o” sound in "haute" while introducing the "ay" sound found in "hayte." The “ay/ai” sound is also attributed to the Anglian-West Saxon word “heh/heigh” meaning “height.” It is worth noting that another Hoyt family, with different Germanic English origins, settled in Salisbury, Massachusetts, during the same period. Though unrelated to the Kentish lineage, the convergence of the nomenclature further contributed to the establishment of the modern American surname "Hoyt." The Hoyte family in England also embraced the modern spelling, solidifying the evolution of the name across different branches of the family.
The saga of the Hoyt/Hayte, De Haute, and Hauteville family is one of a remarkable lineage that traversed continents and centuries, leaving an indelible mark on European and American history. From their noble origins and their pivotal role in the Crusades to their promotion of Christianity in England and participation in the Puritan exodus, their heritage exemplifies the spirit of adventure, religious devotion, and the pursuit of freedom. Their contributions continue to resonate through time, reminding us of the enduring legacy of this illustrious family throughout history.
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