Bradshaw History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The ancestors of the name Bradshaw date back to the days of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name is derived from their residence in one of the settlements named Bradshaw in Derbyshire, Lancashire, and the West Riding of Yorkshire.

Early Origins of the Bradshaw family

The surname Bradshaw was first found in Lancashire at Bradshaw, a chapelry in the parish and union of Bolton in the hundred of Salford, now part of Greater Manchester. The chapelry dates back to 1246 when it was listed as Bradeshaghe and literally meant "broad wood or copse" derived from the Old English brad + sceaga. 1 The chapelry is "where the Bradshaws have flourished from the time of the Saxons." 2 John de Bradshagh was rector of the church of St. Michael, Aughton, Lancashire in 1382. Years later the same church's records listed William Bradshagh as the rector in 1489, with Thomas Bradshagh as his patron. 3 One would presume that the rectors were related.

There is another Bradshaw in the West Riding of Yorkshire. This ecclesiastical district, in the parish and union of Halifax is much larger than the Lancashire chapelry, but little was found in relation to the surname.

Early History of the Bradshaw family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bradshaw research. Another 200 words (14 lines of text) covering the years 1450, 1513, 1571, 1602, 1613, 1618, 1628, 1635, 1636, 1659, 1660, 1669, 1671, 1679, 1684, 1685, 1702, 1732 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Bradshaw History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bradshaw Spelling Variations

Bradshaw has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Bradshaw have been found, including Bradshaw, Bradshay, Bradshaigh, Bradshawe, Braidshaw and many more.

Early Notables of the Bradshaw family

Distinguished members of the family include

Henry Bradshaw (c.1450-1513), English poet; William Bradshaw (1571-1618), English Puritan divine, son of Nicholas Bradshaw, of a Lancashire family, born at Market Bosworth, Leicestershire; Richard Bra...
William Bradshaw (1671-1732), was a Welsh divine, Bishop of Bristol, born at Abergavenny in Monmouthshire and Nicholas Bradshawe (fl. 1635), was a fellow of Balliol College, Oxford and the author of '...

Bradshaw World Ranking

In the United States, the name Bradshaw is the 703^rd most popular surname with an estimated 42,279 people with that name. 4 However, in Australia, the name Bradshaw is ranked the 578^th most popular surname with an estimated 6,691 people with that name. 5 And in New Zealand, the name Bradshaw is the 744^th popular surname with an estimated 974 people with that name. 6 The United Kingdom ranks Bradshaw as 376^th with 16,974 people. 7

Migration of the Bradshaw family to Ireland

Some of the Bradshaw family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 80 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bradshaw migration to the United States +

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Bradshaws to arrive on North American shores:

Bradshaw Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Giles Bradshaw who settled in Virginia in 1622 with his wife and child
Hen Bradshaw, who landed in Virginia in 1637 8
Robert Bradshaw, who landed in Virginia in 1640 8
Humphrey Bradshaw, who arrived in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1642 8
Richard Bradshaw, who landed in Virginia in 1643 8
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Bradshaw Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Anne Bradshaw, who landed in Virginia in 1702 8
Eliza Bradshaw, who landed in Virginia in 1714 8

Bradshaw Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Thomas Bradshaw, who arrived in America in 1801 8
George Bradshaw, who landed in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1831 8
James Bradshaw, who arrived in Texas in 1835 8
J Bradshaw, who landed in San Francisco, California in 1851 8
Richard Bradshaw, aged 52, who arrived in New York in 1864 8
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Bradshaw migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Bradshaw Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Captain William Bradshaw of Ireland who fled Connecticut in 1728 and settled in Ontario, Canada
Samuel Bradshaw, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1749
Cotton Bradshaw, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1750
Thomas Bradshaw, who landed in Saint Vincent in 1778
Mr. Asahel Bradshaw, aka "Asal" U.E. who settled in Fredericksburgh, Cataraqui township, [Greater Napanee], Ontario c. 1783 9
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Bradshaw migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Bradshaw Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. John Bradshaw, British Convict who was convicted in Chester, Cheshire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Earl Spencer" in May 1813, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 10
George Bradshaw, a pipe-maker, who arrived in New South Wales, Australia sometime between 1825 and 1832
Joseph Bradshaw, a gardener, who arrived in Van Diemen’s Land (now Tasmania) sometime between 1825 and 1832
Thomas Bradshaw, a weaver, who arrived in Van Diemen’s Land (now Tasmania) sometime between 1825 and 1832
Mr. James Bradshaw, English convict who was convicted in Lancaster, Lancashire, England for life, transported aboard the "Countess of Harcourt" on 29th April 1828, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 11
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Bradshaw migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Bradshaw Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

William Bradshaw, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840
John Edward Bradshaw, aged 28, a basketmaker, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Birman" in 1842
Mary Ann Bradshaw, aged 22, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Birman" in 1842
John E Bradshaw, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1842 aboard the ship Birman
Mr. Thomas Bradshaw, British settler as part of the 8th Detachment of the Royal New Zealand Fencibles travelling from Gravesend aboard the ship "Oriental Queen" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 18th September 1849 12
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Bradshaw migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 13

Bradshaw Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century

William Bradshaw, who settled in Barbados in 1679

Contemporary Notables of the name Bradshaw (post 1700) +

John Elliot Bradshaw (1933-2016), American educator, counselor and motivational speaker; he hosted a number of PBS television programs about self-help
Benjamin Joseph Bradshaw (1879-1960), American Olympic gold medalist for wrestling at the 1904 games
Major-General Aaron Jr. Bradshaw (1894-1976), American Commanding General Anti-Aircraft Artillery 5th Army (1944 to 1945) 14
Terry Paxton Bradshaw (b. 1948), former American professional NFL football player, inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989
Gillian Marucha Bradshaw (b. 1956), American writer of historical fiction, historical fantasy, children's literature, science fiction, and contemporary science-based novels
Samuel Carey Bradshaw (1809-1872), American politician, member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania
Clarence Bradshaw, American Republican politician, Member of New York Republican State Committee, 1961 15
B. M. Bradshaw, American Democratic Party politician, Chair of Lewis County Democratic Party, 1921 15
Arlyn R. Bradshaw, American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Utah, 2008 15
Albert M. Bradshaw, American politician, Member of New Jersey State House of Assembly from Ocean County, 1870-71 15
... (Another 52 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Bradshaw family +

Hillcrest Coal Mine

Mr. James Bradshaw (1868-1914), English Miner from Billinge, Lancashire,, England, United Kingdom who worked in the Hillcrest Coal Mine, Alberta, Canada and died in the mine collapse 16

HMS Hood

Mr. Thomas F Bradshaw (b. 1919), English Stoker 2nd Class serving for the Royal Navy from Bristol, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 17

RMS Titanic

Mr. J.A. Bradshaw (d. 1912), aged 43, English Plate Steward from Southampton, Hampshire who worked aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking 18

USS Arizona

Mr. Harry F. Bradshaw, American Seaman First Class working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he survived the sinking 19

The Bradshaw Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Qui vit content tient assez
Motto Translation: He who lives contentedly has enough.

Citations +

Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
'Townships: Scarisbrick', in A History of the County of Lancaster: Volume 3, ed. William Farrer and J Brownbill (London, 1907), pp. 265-276. British History Online http://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/lancs/vol3/pp265-276 [accessed 21 January 2017].
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
"Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
"UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 8th September 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-spencer
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 19th April 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/countess-of-harcourt
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
Generals of World War II. (Retrieved 2011, October 22) Aaron Bradshaw. Retrieved from http://generals.dk/general/Bradshaw/Aaron_Jr./USA.html
The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2016, February 3) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html
List Of Miners - Hillcrest Mine Disaster Data. (Retrieved 2014, June 24) . Retrieved from http://www.hillcrestminedisaster.com/data/index.php?title=List_Of_Miners
H.M.S. Hood Association-Battle Cruiser Hood: Crew Information - H.M.S. Hood Rolls of Honour, Men Lost in the Sinking of H.M.S. Hood, 24th May 1941. (Retrieved 2016, July 15) . Retrieved from http://www.hmshood.com/crew/memorial/roh_24may41.htm
Titanic Passenger List - Titanic Facts. (Retrieved 2016, July 13) . Retrieved from http://www.titanicfacts.net/titanic-passenger-list.html
Pearl Harbour: USS Arizona Casualties List Pearl Harbour December 7, 1941. (Retrieved 2018, July 31st). Retrieved from http://pearl-harbor.com/arizona/casualtylist.html