Hope you enjoy this read Melissa King: i'ts for our joint relative Edward II son of LONGSHANKS....when the file open up after you click on the lt. blue name....you can then clik the Longshangs file and that will open for you....find your connecting ancestor, likely the Margaret Churchill one. and enjoy!!!! DCR 1948 Edward II, king of England
Geoffrey Count of Anjou (father of Henry II) supposedly coined "Plantagenet" and used it as an agnomen (sort of a nickname).
The first person that we know used it as a proper surname was Richard, 3rd Duke of York in the 15th century - the one whose bid for the crown failed so dismally. However, two of his sons did become king (Edward IV and Richard III).
Maven: His Wife was named Matilda or Maud after her mother Maude of Scottland yes? The very establihed ancient line so he wanted the Name for his dynasty/political purposes I suppose. Geoffroy V, Count of Anjou, Maine and Mortain, DCR1948
http://www.geni.com/path/Ian+Winton+is+related+to+Edward+I+Longshan...
Edward I "Longshanks", King of England is Ian Winton's 21st great grandfather!
The name became "Plantagenet" because Geoffrey V of Anjou, who was a very religious person, wore somekind of a Robin Hood hat, and instead of a feather he inserted in the same place a twig of a plant called "Planta Genetis" (broom). This plant had the characteristic of being very bitter, and it was a symbol of humility. Due to this he started being nicknamed with this word, and as it is usual in history turned to an official name.
By the way the exact name of the book I mentioned is: "The Shaping of England" >>>>>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/158390.The_Shaping_of_England