Origins of the Furneaux (de Fourneaux) in Medieval France

We know that the Furneaux came from a place called Fourneaux, in France, around the time of William the Conqueror. However, as there are many different places called Fourenaux in France, is it not clear exactly which place is being referred to in the various manuscripts.

The sources for each of these locations, a summary of where they were found, and brief comments on each are provided below.  In order to consider each of these places, it is important to remember that the Furneaux were Normans, and therefore likely to be from Normandy.

Falaise

Falaise is on the map. While not a known location of the Furneaux prior to 1066, it was the seat of William the Conqueror, so is important to consider in relation to the other sites. If you zoom in on the cluster of locations in the top left hand corner of the map above you will see they occur close to Falaise.

Fourneaux, Manche, France:

This site is proposed by multiple authors, and contemporary academics. Alternative names in documents appear to be Fourneaux-sur-Vire (1828), Fornels (1159),   Furnellis (~1180),  Fornaus (1253),  Fourneaulx (1494),  les Fourniaulx (1509). See the variations on the  
family name for an interesting comparison.

Apparently Dr Katherine Keats-Rohan suggested this was the preferable site, although agreeing there is little evidence to confirm this over Fourneaux-le-Val.

Fourneaux-le-Val, France

This location has also been proposed by multiple authors. Alternative or historic names appear to have been Fourneaux, Calvados, and Furneaux-sur-Baise¹. It is probably a good thing that the latter name didn't stick.

These two first sites have higher credibility, at least in my mind, than others listed below. Primarily this is because they are all situated in Normandy, and the Furneaux history in the UK starts with the Norman invasion after all. These sites have also been nominated in various texts.

Other locations called Fourneaux

The other locations called Founeaux in the map above, are all outside of Normandy, so seem unlikely to be where the UK branch of the family commenced.

• Fourneaux, Chaingy, France
• Fourneaux, Saint-Médard-la-Rochette, France
• Fourneaux, Dunières, France
• Fourneaux, Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne

Conclusion

It seems that the most likely locations are either Fourneaux, Manche or Furneaux-le-val.

A summary of each location, comments and likelihood is provided below, as well as links to the specific location.

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