The Ancient History of the Most Distinguished Surname - Hines

Ancient Origins

The Hines family name dates back to the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. The name comes from when an early member worked as a keeper of the deer. The surname Hines originally derived from the Old English word "hinde" which referred to someone who tended the deer. A quote from Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales underlines the occupation: "Ther n'as baillif, ne herde, ne other hine."

Ancient History

Extensive research into some of the most ancient documents has revealed the Hines surname to be of Anglo-Saxon origin. Your heritage belongs to a culture which has shaped England more than any other. Professional historians have examined reproductions of such ancient manuscripts as the Domesday Book (1086), the Ragman Rolls (1291-1296), the Curia Regis Rolls, The Pipe Rolls, the Hearth Rolls, parish registers, baptismals, tax records and other ancient documents. They found the first record of the name Hines in Oxfordshire, where one of the first on record was Robert Hine who was Lord of the manor and held estates in that shire in the year 1254. John le Hyne was listed in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 in Oxford, and Robert le Hine was listed in Suffolk in the same rolls. The Writs of Parliament of 1313 show Stephen le Hine.

Spelling Variations

Throughout the centuries, the name Hines occurred in many records, manuscripts and documents, but not always with the same exact spelling. This surname was found spelled Hines, Hine, Hyne and Hynesand these variations in spelling frequently occurred, even between father and son. Scribes and church officials, often traveling great distances, even from other countries, frequently spelled the names phonetically. In addition, official court languages such as Latin and French influenced the spelling of a name. As a result, the same person could be recorded differently on birth, baptismal, marriage and death certificates as well as the other numerous records recording life's events.

Early History

Many English surnames find their roots in the culture of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The Saxons were invited into England by the ancient Britons of the 4th century. Their home was the Rhine valley, but some came from as far northeast as Denmark. They were led by two brothers, Commanders Hengist and Horsa. At first, the Saxons settled in the county of Kent, on the south east coast of England. Gradually, they spread north and westward, and during the next four hundred years forced the ancient Britons back into Wales and Cornwall in the west, and Cumberland to the north. The Angles, another Teutonic tribe, occupied the eastern coast in Suffolk and Norfolk. Once the independent kingdoms of the Angles and Saxons were unified the land experienced relative peace. However, society was disrupted in 1066 when the Normans invaded from France. Norman victory at the Battle of Hastings resulted in the end of Anglo-Saxon rule. In 1070, Duke William, the first Norman king of England, took an army of 40,000 north and ravaged the northern counties. Many rebellious Norman nobles and Saxons fled over the border into Scotland. Meanwhile, the Saxons who remained in the south were not treated well under hostile Norman rule. They also moved northward to the Midlands, Lancashire and Yorkshire away from Norman oppression. Despite this upheaval, the notable English family Hines thrived, emerging in Oxfordshire where they were recorded as a family of great antiquity seated with manor and estates in that shire. One of the first on record was Robert Hine, who was Lord of the manor and estates in Oxfordshire in the year 1254. The early relationship to the Irish O'Heyne, which was descended from the ancient Kings of Connacht, Guair the Hospitable, has been traditionally established within the family. The O'Heynes were of Galway in the barony of Kiltartan. Meanwhile, in England they flourished in Devon, Cornwall, and Bristol. Their family seat being at Dartmouth.

Early Notables

Distinguished members of the family at this time included William Hine (1687-1730), English organist and composer, born at Brightwell, Oxfordshire, in 1687. He was chorister of Magdalen College, Oxford, in 1694, and clerk in 1705. "In 1711 or 1712 Hine became organist of Gloucester Cathedral, and shortly afterwards married Alicia, the daughter of Abraham Rudhall, the bellfounder. The dean and chapter of Gloucester showed their appreciation of Hine's services by voluntarily increasing his yearly salary by 20l., as is recorded in the mural tablet over his grave in the cloisters. He died 28 August 1730, aged 43; his wife died on 28 June 1735."

Life In Ireland

The Hines family survived the famines, plagues and trials of everyday life which made the Middle Ages a turbulent time. Later, during the 16th, and 17th centuries England was ravaged by political and social upheaval. Conflict between different religious sects, and the parliament and king meant that various groups were struggling for supremacy at the expense of society in general. Many families were "encouraged" to migrate to Ireland, or to the colonies. And, while some were rewarded with grants of lands, others were banished without compensation. Many families made their way to Ireland, either as Protestant settlers, as soldiers following Cromwell, or as exiles from their home territory. Land was confiscated from the Catholic Irish and distributed to the newcomers. In Ireland this distinguished family settled in Galway, and other counties. In 1890, a birth census of Scottish families in Ireland was taken. From that census, it was estimated that there were over 3,718 people bearing the surname Hynes throughout Ireland; about 7 percent were living in the province of Ulster.

The Great Migration

In these troubled times the New World beckoned as a place to start a new life. However, the difficulties which families left behind were replaced with new problems. Settling in regions where the native people were a mystery, where the environment was unknown, and where the land was untamed meant that life in the colonies was harsh to say the least.

Motto

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto. The coat of arms displayed here for the surname Hines did not include a motto.

Chinese Scottish Hines Tartan

Symbolism

The practice of representing people with symbols is ancient, and in England this habit evolved with feudal society into a system of distinctive devices on shields. The heralds developed an extensive armory that had the important function of distinguishing members of the upper class from each other, whether at court or on the battlefield. Since then, heraldry has grown into a complex field with many rules and a terminology that requires some knowledge to interpret.

Achievement of Arms

An Achievement of Arms such as the Hines arms depicted on the left typically consists of these parts: the Escrolls, displaying the family motto and name, the family crest (if any) seen above the helmet, the actual Coat of arms (also known as 'arms,' or 'the shield'), the Helmet depicted below the crest, the Torse on top of the helmet, and the Mantle draped from the helmet. Each of these elements will be described below. Supporters were a later addition to the Achievement; they are somewhat rare, and are usually personal to the grantee.

The mantle was spread over and draped from the helmet and served as a protection, 'to repel the extremities of wet, cold, and heat, and to preserve the armour from rust.' The numerous cuts and slits suggest that it had been torn and hacked on the field of battle. The style or design of the mantling is up to the individual heraldic artist, and it is usually depicted in the main color and metal from the shield. The helmet (or Helm) varied in shape in different ages and countries, often depicting rank. The Esquire's Helm, as depicted here, is generally shown silver, with a closed visor and facing to the dexter (its right). On top of the helmet is a Torse or wreath which was formed by two pieces of silk twisted together. Its purpose was to hold the crest and mantle on the Helm.

Shield

Shields (or Escutcheons) at first were painted simply with one or more bands of color or 'ordinaries'. Later, the ordinaries were used in conjunction with other figures or symbols. The Coat of Arms for the surname Hines can be described as follows:

Hines Arms

A silver shield with three gold anchors on a blue fesse engrailed, and in chief, a black greyhound courant.

Silver Shield

Silver, known by the French term "argent," is one of the two metals used in heraldry. It is usually represented on a shield by the colors gray or white. This metal represents nobility, peace and serenity. It is associated with the qualities of purity and chastity, because the metal withstands the test of fire. Symbolic Virtues: It guards innocence and gives celestial happiness. It denotes virginity in maidens and chastity in widows. It also lends justice to judges and represents the virtues of Humility, Innocence, and Happiness. Celestially, the color represents the moon.

Precious Stone: Pearl

Planet: Moon

Obligations: Help maidens and orphans.

Three

"Three" devices, beasts or ordinaries of the same have a special significance in heraldry. First of all, there is the obvious reference to the Trinity in the design that would signify observance of the Christian doctrine. Secondly, with many Arms it brings balance that is steeped in tradition. To better understand this latter scenario, we must look at the evolution of shield in personal armory. Kite shields that were the most popular from the the 10th-14th century evolved into Heater shields that had flat tops c. 1250. This was the time of heraldry's beginnings and when "three" objects were used for balance in each corner of the shield. Later, with the advent of the "chief," "chevron" and "bend" three devices brought balance to these ordinaries too.

Gold

"Or" (from the French word for gold) is the tincture of Gold, or in heraldic terms "or," was considered the noblest color. One of only two metals used in heraldry, it exceeds all others in value, purity and finesse. It represents the light of the sun, and was once borne only by princes. Gold is said to gladden the heart and destroy all works of magic. It is also associated with excellence and achievement, and the bearer surpasses all others in valor. It is represented on coats of arms by the color yellow, and in engravings by a dotted pattern.

Anchors

The Anchor is the emblem of salvation and hope and an appropriate device for the coat of arms of a family with a seafaring tradition. "Cosmo de' Medici, Duke of Etruria, bore as a device two anchors, with the motto "Duabus," meaning, it was good to have two holdfasts to trust to." It is a common figure in the English armory. A device steeped in tradition, it was once born by King Richard I. Interestingly, other bearings related to ships including rudders, sails, boats and ship's wheels rarely appear in heraldry.

Blue

Azure (derived from the French word for "blue") represents the color of an eastern sky on a clear day. It also corresponds to the metal tin. The word, “azure” was introduced from the east during the Crusades. It signifies piety and sincerity, and is equated with autumn. In engravings it is represented by horizontal lines.

Fesse

The fess(e) is a broad, horizontal band across the center of the shield that represents the military belt and girdle of honor of the ancients. It signifies that the bearer must always be in readiness to act for the well being of the people. It is supposed to occupy a full third of the height of the shield, though it is seldom drawn this way, and it is subject to the lines of partition. Its position is directly across the center of the shield unless the fesse is described as enhanced or abased. There can only be one fesse on a shield. If more than one is present then they are termed bars.

Engrailed

An engrailed line of partition has an edge drawn with a row of many sharp little waves.

In Chief

Any charge that is said to be 'in chief' is placed in the upper 1/3 of the shield. A chief itself stands for authority and domination of will.

Black

Sable (Archaic or literary English for black) or black, the coldest of the colors, corresponds to lead. Black, or "sable," is symbolic of sadness. It also corresponds with winter and is a humble color, suitable for the deeply religious. It denotes the qualities of knowledge, piety, serenity and work. Engravers represent it with numerous horizontal and vertical lines crossing each other.

Greyhound

The Greyhound, or "lévrier" in Norman French is said to signify fidelity, vigilancy, majesty, courage, and swiftness. Greyhounds appear in art and literature throughout history. "The name has no reference to the colour of the animal, but it derived from the Icelandic "greyhundr," grey meaning a dog, and "hundr," a hound. " The breed is thought to have been developed nearly 5,000 years ago in Egypt, where the animals were not only companions, but they were revered and almost worshipped. Greek mythological figures were often portrayed with greyhounds: Hecate, goddess of wealth, is often shown with a Greyhound. The Romans, too, revered the greyhound; their Gods and Goddesses, were often depicted with Greyhounds. Greyhounds were in England, prior to the 9th cent. They were bred and raised by the aristocracy and used to hunt small game. In fact, for approximately 700 years it was illegal under English law for a commoner to own a greyhound. Greyhounds almost became extinct during the famines of the Middle Ages, and it has been suggested that clergymen saved them from starvation and then bred them for noblemen, thus furthering their symbolic nobility.

Courant

Courant, current or cursant is applied to beasts of chase to describe running at full speed. Symbolically, this position or attitude denotes the bearer as one who is swift.

The Crest

The Crest was worn on top of the helmet, and was usually made of wood, metal, or boiled leather. It provided the double advantage of easy identification and the addition of height to the wearer. The Crest for the surname Hines is described as follows:

A silver tortoise on which there is perched an eagle rising with a sprig of heath in the beak, and gazing ay the sun, all proper.

Silver

Argent (from the French for silver), or Silver is one of the two metals used in heraldry. It is usually represented on a shield by the colors gray or white. This metal represents nobility, peace and serenity. It is associated with the qualities of purity and chastity, because the metal withstands the test of fire.

Tortoise

The tortoise signifies invulnerability to attack and is also symbolic of slow, but sure progress. It is usually blazoned displayed, from an above view with its legs extended to the sides; however, it can also be borne upright.

Eagle

The eagle was a symbol born by men of action, occupied with high and weighty affairs. It was given to those of lofty spirit, ingenuity, speed in comprehension, and discrimination in matters of ambiguity. The wings signify protection, and the gripping talons symbolize ruin to evildoers. The eagle is held to represent a noble nature from its strength and aristocratic appearance, as well as its association with the ancient kings of Persia, Babylon and the Roman legions, having been the official ensign of those empires. Since then, other empires and nations have also adopted the eagle as their symbol, such as the German third Reich and the empire conquered by Napoleon. The eagle is also associated with the sun. As a Christian symbol, the eagle represents salvation, redemption and resurrection. The eagle has been represented over the centuries in a variety of different ways: wing tips pointed up or down, wings closed or rising or the eagle displayed from above with one or two heads. Parts of the eagle such as the head, wings, legs or talons, are also often symbols in heraldry. The claw of a bird and leg of a bird is always taken to be that of an eagle unless specified otherwise, and the eagle leg borne on a shield or coat of arms is said to signify that the "preyer upon others has been preyed upon," though this is highly uncertain. An interesting form of the eagle is the alerion, which is drawn without the beak or the legs. It is thought to represent a formerly great warrior who was seriously injured in combat and is no longer able to fight. The osprey may also be classed with the eagle. It is always represented as a white eagle and is referred to in heraldry as a sea-eagle.

Rising

Rising indicates that the bird is in the act of taking off with its wings spread.

Sprig

The Sprig signifies fertility and abundance.

Sun

The Sun is an emblem of glory and brilliance. It is also a symbol of authority. It represents happiness, life and spirituality. The rising sun is a symbol of hope. The Sun, when not rising, is always blazoned the “sun in splendor.” The rays are alternately straight and wavy, which symbolize the heat and light that we derive from them, and the heraldic The Sun usually has a human face though this is not strictly necessary. Rays of the sun, also called Beams, are sometimes borne singly as in the ancient rolls, but more often they issue from other charges when described by one of the terms as radiant, rayonné or rayonnant. One ray of the sun signifies "by the light of heaven." "This is the emblem of Glory and Splendour, and is the fountain of life." "Roman kings had their crowns constructed with points in the shape of the sun's beams, because they were themselves like suns and flaming lights; for the whole world was led by their example. "

Proper

The term “proper” describes a charge, or a symbol on a crest or shield, depicted in its natural colors.