(Vol. ii., p. 247.)
The Query proposed by NOCAB evidently possesses some interest, having
already elicited two or three replies. I trust, therefore, I shall be
excused for submitting yet another solution, which appears to me more
satisfactory, if not _conclusive_. The answers to such questions are for
the most part merely ingenious _conjectures_; but these to be of weight,
should be supported by antiquarian learning. They claim perhaps more regard
when they seem to elucidate collateral difficulties; but are of most value
when _authenticated_ by independent evidence, especially the evidence of
_documents_ or of _facts_. Fortunately, in the case before us, all these
desiderata are supplied.
Old Richard Verstegan, famous for Saxon lore and archæological research,
explains it thus:--
"Bacon, _of the Beechen tree_, anciently called BUCON; and, whereas
swinesflesh is now called by the name of BACON, it grew only at the
first unto such as were fatted with BUCON or _beechmast_."--Chap. ix.
p. 299.
There is one agreeable feature in this explanation, viz., that it professes
somewhat naturally to account for the mysterious relation between the flesh
of the unclean animal, and the name of a very ancient and honourable
family. But its chief value is to be found in the singular _authentication_
of it which I accidentally discovered in Collins's _Baronetage_. In the
very ample and particular account there given of the pedigree of the
Premier Baronet, it will be seen that the _first_ man who assumed the
surname of Bacon, was one William (temp. Rich. I.), a great grandson of the
Grimbaldus, who came over with the Conqueror and settled in Norfolk. Of
course there was _some_ reason for his taking that name; and though Collins
makes no comment on it, he does in fact unconsciously supply that reason
(elucidated by Verstegan) by happily noting of this _sole_ individual, that
he _bore for his arms_, "argent, _a beech tree_ proper!" Thank you, Mr.
Collins! thank you kindly, Richard Verstegan! You are both excellent and
honest men. You cannot have been in collusion. You have not, until _now_,
even reaped the merit of truthfulness and accuracy, which you silently
reflect upon each other. The family name, Bacon, then, undoubtedly
signifies "of the beechen tree," and is therefore of the same class with
many others such as ash, beech, &c., latinized in ancient records by De
Fraxino, De Fago, &c.
The motto of the Somersetshire Bacons, noticed by NOCAB, when read as
written, is supposed to be in the _ablative_ case; when transposed, the
evident ellipse may be supplied _ad libitum_. From Grimbaldus, downwards,
it does not appear that these _beechen_ men ever signalized themselves by
_deeds of arms_, the favourite boast of heralds and genealogists. Nor
indeed could we expect them to have "hearts of _oak_." But several have
rendered the name illustrious by their contributions to literature,
science, and the fine arts. Its _appropriateness_, therefore, must be
apology for the motto; which, like most others, is by no means too modest
and unassuming.
Duly blushing, I subscribe myself, yours,