John Ackland

Landkey is a small village in the county of Devon in the south-west of England with a population of 2274. It is situated 3 miles (4.8 km) from the nearest town of Barnstaple.

The Aclands, one of the most notable of Devon families, originated at Acland Barton, from which they took their name in Henry II's time. They continued to own it until 1945, when Sir Richard Acland sold it to the tenant. The parish now forms part of the "Benefice of Swimbridge with West Buckland and Landkey" ...

• from Killerton: Origins of the Acland Family

Hugh de Accalen - the first 'Acland'

Hugh de Accalen owned Acland Barton in north Devon in 1155. He probably took his name from the place he lived - Hugh of 'Acca's lane'. He may have been Flemish originally, as a common Acland name in the 12th and 13th centuries was the Flemish name Baldwin. 

Social climbing

By the end of the 12th century the Aclands held about 400 acres of land and a social rank just below that of knight. They were lucky in always having male heirs to inherit and consolidate their wealth, and in making good marriages that brought more land in dowry, improving their social position.

In the 15th century Acland Barton was re-built to a more impressive standard. It now had its own chapel so the Aclands did not have to walk elsewhere on a Sunday.

The English and Devon economies prospered through the 16th century, particularly in farming and the wool trade. The Aclands’ wealth increased and John Acland acquired his own heraldic arms.

Links

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landkey