This surname of ABNETT was a baptismal name 'the son of Abel'. During the 11th to the 13th centuries, a need was felt for a second name in addition to the name that had been given at birth. This was recognized by the nobility, as it added prestige to their status. Early records of the name mention Abelota Loue, 1277 County Suffolk. William Ablot, was documented in the year 1335 in the County of Yorkshire. William Abnott was a Freeman of York, during the reign of Edward III (1327-1377). Edward Abnett of Yorkshire was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. On January 16th 1437, Robert Rhodes of the town of Newcastle upon Tyne, conveyed a house in Gateshead to William Abletson and Agnes his wife. Rene Rogier and Hannah Ablett were married at St. George's, Hanover Square, London in the year 1770. At first the coat of arms was purely for practical use. With his armour covering his face and body, the only was for the knight's followers to recognise him, was the armour painted on his shield and embroidered on his surcoat, the garment which was draped over his body. Prior to the Invasion of William the Conqueror in 1066, no one had surnames, only christian or nicknames in England. Based on this, and our physical attributes, we were given surnames incorporating tax codes to show trades, areas in which we lived, as today we have street names and numbers. Surnames were used in France and like speaking countries from about the year 1000, and a few places had second names even earlier. Even early monarchs had additions to show attributes and character, for example Ethelred (red-hair) the Unready (never prepared). Edward I was named 'Long shanks' because of his long legs, and Richard III was called 'Crouchback' owing to his deformed shoulder. The name is also spelt as Ablott and Abletson. It has long been a matter of doubt when the bearing of coats of arms first became hereditary and it was not until the Crusades that Heraldry came into general use. Men went into battle heavily armed and were difficult to recognise. It became the custom for them to adorn their helmets with distinctive crests, and to paint their shields with animals and the like. Coats of arms accompanied the development of surnames, becoming hereditary in the same way.