Ranulph de Kingsley Legend Digested by William Arthur Kingsley

In his book "Kingsley Family of America,"  author William Kingsley digests the legend using many sources.  Some of them are the same that I have been researching to confirm the story.  Some are unpublished sources.  They are:

Deane, Edna Amos Kingsley
Brown, Dr. LeRoy Joseph Kingsley and his Descendants (not published)
Kingsley, Dumont  Kingsley Genealogy (not published)
Anjou, G.  Kingsley Family (not published)
Burke, Armorial Bearings Genealogy Lineages
Ormerod  History of Cheshire
Montague Genealogy
Charters, Plea Rolls, Recognition Rolls, Inquisitions

"The following account is in part the matter of record while some parts remain unproved, therefore; it must be considered as; "Kingsley Lore."  The origin of the family and the surname Kingsley started when William the Conqueror, the Norman King of England was succeeded by his third son William the second also known as 'Rufus the Red King' ruled England between 1087 -1100.  Early in his reign he suffered a revolt of his Barons.

"Tradition says he went hunting in New Forest or Vale Royal one day and became separeated from his companions and attendants.  He became lost and wandered aimlessly throughout the forest and glades, towards the eve of night seeing a light beaming from a forest's cabin.  He approached the cabin and without making himself known to the forester.  The forester offered him a night's shelter. 

"The forester by name of Ranulphus slaughtered a young goat and his wife prepared a savory repas.  The King was refreshed by the evening meal and was offered a humble co0uch in which he slept that night and in the morning partook of another bounteous repas. (p.7)

"In the bright of day he discovered he was in his own lea.  He was so delighted with the forester's hospitality that he bestowed the whole of that portion of his domain known as the King's Lea upon his host Ranulphus the Forester, and made him a Baron.  Ranulphus took the name of the land King's lea, "Kingesleigh" Kingsley.  He became known as Sir Ranulphus de Kyngesliegh. Later the family crest contrained a Baron's Crown surmounted by a goat's head.

"Before 1128 Ranulphus de Kingsley, known as the first, was made grantee of the forest of Mara and Modrem by the third Earl of Chester, Sir Randall Meschines.  A hereditary right later known as "Hereditary Master Forester of Delamere" and was given a bugle horn to wear at his side.  A symbol of the hereditary Master Forestership of Delamere."  (p. 8)

Author William Kingsley labels this 'lore' but meshes records with the legend.  Perhaps it is legit...