It is very difficult to find some informations of the history and extraction of Spaniels. For me it would suffice the information that these animals have formed the instinct and attachment to people for 2500 years. I have some facts for this topic. The Spaniels are one of the oldest dog's race. The first pictures and sculptures with Spaniels on them have 2500 years. The ancestors of Springer Spaniels were known in year 900 b.c. in the Carthage.
When it comes to the name "Spaniel", I know many teories which try to prove their extraction from Spain, Carthage, France and Holland. You could prove that Spaniels extract from Poland, but we have no informations about living on Polish grounds in that times.
The description about Spaniels in England you can find in the VII century. Particular division was done in XVIII century. Then were separationed three groups: English Springer Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel and Water Spaniel.
England is said to be native country of Spinger Spaniels because english breeders separated the races and brought them to the breed standards and ideals.