Michael Linton's Bayeux Tapestry: 1066 - A Medieval Mosaic and Puzzles

Malebraunch :

This is one of the names added by M. de Magny to. the Dives Roll. Of the French family I can only find mention of Guillaume de Crevant, Seigneur de Maubranches, living in the first years of the fifteenth century (Anselme, Histoire de la Noblesse de France). This proves that, like many other sobriquets, it had become territorial, some manor having received its designation from its former owners. Nicholas Malebranche, "eminent among the metaphysicians of France in the most illustrious age of French philosophy" as the author of Recherche de la Verite, was the son of a secretary of the King's, and his only claim to gentle blood was on his mother's side.

It is—as far as my experience goes—of rare occurrence in England. Richard Malebeench was Grand Master of the Temple about 1170, and Roger de Malebraunch, Abbot of Burton from 1177 to 1182.—Nichol's Leicestershire. Two of the name—both belonging to Lincolnshire—appear as benefactors of the Knights Templars, to whom John Malbraunche gave land at Appleby, and Roger de Malebraunche at Ouseby. Another (if not the same) Roger Malebraunch, with his wife Basilia, and their daughter Cecilia are found in Northamptonshire temp. Ed. I.—Rotul. Hundred. John Malebraunche was of Kent, at the same date. William de Malebraunch held at Farnley, in Yorkshire, during the previous reign.—Archbishop Gray's Register. The wardship and marriage of Agnes, daughter and heir of John Malebrank of Farnley, was granted in 1325 by William Melton, Archbishop of York, to John de Brantingham, Vicar of Otley.