The Sporle's of England

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Sprole Priory

Before studying the Spreull's of Scotland, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the Sporle English history. It is suggested that the family Spreull we see in Scotland originated in the Norfolk area (from the Sporle Priory) and traveled to Scotland with Walter Fitz-Alan, who later became the High Steward (Stuart) of Scotland. I believe that the "Spreull" surname was directly derived from the family de Sporle. The Spreull's of Scotland enjoyed lands and titles granted from the Royal Stewart Kings for centuries to follow.

Alan Fitz Flaad founded Sporle Priory in Norfolk as a cell of St. Saumur in Brittany before 1122. The priory was dissolved in 1461, and Henry VI gave it to Eton College, who still retain the living of the church.

Walter Fitz Alan (Alan's son) traveled to Scotland and was the first to hold the office of "Great Steward of Scotland". In 1135 David I, King of Scots, appointed Walter Fitz Alan first High Steward of the royal household in appreciation for Walter's loyalty to the Empress Maud (Matilda), niece of the king. With the title, Walter received land in what is now Renfrew, Paisley, Pollok, and Cathcart. These are the same lands that the Spreull family has been long associated with. Walter founded Paisley Abbey in 1245.

Robert Spreull, who died in 1515, was the Burgess of Paisley Abbey.

The Testament of John Sporle, 1448 - From the Virtual Norfolk site. The last will and testament of John Sporle of Hemmysby. John was married to Leticia and had one son, Robert.