Paston Family Genealogy & History

Mark Nelson Paston, born on December 13, 1976, is a renowned former professional football goalkeeper from New Zealand. He gained recognition playing for the Wellington Phoenix in the A-League and was instrumental in their undefeated home streak. Paston showcased his talent internationally, particularly during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where he played a crucial role in securing a historic draw against Italy. Known for his acrobatic saves, he was pivotal in New Zealand's World Cup Qualification, particularly against Bahrain, ensuring New Zealand's place in the tournament for the second time. His career also included stints with Napier City Rovers, Bradford City, Walsall, and St Johnstone before retiring in 2013.

Emily Morse Symonds, writing under the pen name George Paston, was a distinguished British author and literary critic. Born on 4 September 1860, she gained recognition for her novels that often explored the societal challenges faced by women, notably in "A Writer of Books." Transitioning to non-fiction, Symonds penned historical biographies and comedies, such as "Lady Mary Wortley Montagu and her Times" and "Clothes and the Woman." Her choice of a male pen name reflected the era's gender biases in publishing. Renowned for her insightful critiques, she maintained close literary relationships with figures like Arnold Bennett, further cementing her influence in the literary world.

Symonds was the niece of John Addington Symonds, a respected English poet and literary critic, indicating a family deeply rooted in literary pursuits.

Sir Edward Paston (1550–1630) was a prominent Catholic gentleman from Norfolk, celebrated for his significant contributions to the musical history of England during the Elizabethan era. As an amateur musician and poet, Paston played the lute and amassed a unique collection of 16th-century house music, featuring works by renowned composers such as William Byrd, Thomas Tallis, and Orlando di Lasso. His dedication to music is evident in his extensive compilation of musical manuscripts, particularly consort songs by Byrd. Paston's influence extended to music notation, where he favored Spanish and Italian tablature styles in his partbooks, diverging from the typical French form.

Edward Paston was the second son of Sir Thomas Paston, reinforcing his standing as a distinguished member of a notable Norfolk family. His familial connections provided him with the means and opportunities to cultivate his deep interest in music and poetry, shaping his legacy as a key figure in Renaissance music collection and preservation.

Sir Thomas Paston (by 1517 – 4 September 1550), hailing from London, was a notable English politician and a Member of Parliament for Norfolk in 1545. He gained significant wealth from the dissolution of the monasteries, particularly benefiting from the assets of Binham Priory, which he repurposed to construct a house in Wells-next-the-Sea. His political career and strategic acquisitions highlight his prominence in 16th-century England.

Thomas Paston was born to Bridget Heydon and Sir William Paston, with roots tracing back to the esteemed Heydon and Paston families. His maternal grandfather was Sir Henry Heydon of Baconsthorpe, while his paternal lineage included Sir John Paston and Margery Brewes. This esteemed ancestry provided Thomas with a strong familial foundation.