ESSOLF (ASSOLF) of TONG b. CIRCA 1100 THORNHILL on the CALDER, YORKSHIRE d. AFTER 1189
By the 12th Cent. Essolf was one of the most important local landowners. His extensive holdings suggest that he had considerable success at trading and investing. Iron was starting to be used in farming implements & instruments of war, so he may have invested in ironstone workings. His Grandsons bequeathed such workings in Shitlington & Flockton to Rievaulx Abbey. It is recorded that he had a large number of sons, amongst whom his holdings were eventually divided. Some of these sons appear to have been very capable men.
Essolf was the first to take on a second name (which became compulsary under Norman law about 1100AD).