Person:Gamellus De Alsop (1)

Gamel de Haleshoppe was listed in the Pipe Rolls of Derbyshire in approximately 1175. He was living at Elleshope or Haleshoppe at this time. The name is not found elsewhere in England. A census of 1086 reveals there were probably only a couple of families located at Elleshope. Research has failed to show the name in earlier Saxon or Norman records. Gamellus de Alsop (Elleshope) is given as the founder of the family. The fact that he was listed with the family name in 1175 indicates he held a position of some prominence, for peasants did not begin adopting family names until the 1300's. Hugh de Alsop, possibly a younger son of Gamellus, went with Richard I on the Third Crusade (1189-91) to the Holy Land. He was captain of a company under the command of Sir Ralph de Lyleburne, who was colonel of four companies. The king recognized Hugh's bravery and competence by bestowing upon him the Order of Knightbood, and as a further honor, permitting him to select his own personal design to wear on the front of his shield. The "Achievement of Arms" as these identifying symbols were later known, was to have six falcon's heads on the shield. Hugh married the niece of Sir Ralph (by his sister), the daughter of Rober de Farington, and received lands in Derbyshire to live as a returning hero