Moorefield History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Moorefield was first found in Cumberland where the family name was first referenced in the year 1154 when Peter Morville was recorded with estates. 1

They were originally from Morville, arr Valognes in the canton of Briquebec in Normandy. 2 Another early record of the family was found in the royal burgh of Lauder in Berwickshire. This parish was "granted in the early part of the 12th century, by David I., to Hugh de Moreville, constable of Scotland. De Moreville gave the lands of Thirlstane, in the parish, to one of his kinsmen, whose grand-daughter conveyed them by marriage to Sir Richard Maitland, ancestor of the present Earl of Lauderdale, now the principal proprietor of the parish." 3

Another source digs further into Hugh de Morville (Moreville): "the barton of Morvale or Morville, [in the parish of Morvall, Cornwall] which was connected with the manor, gave its name to an ancient family thence denominated De Morville; from whom, according to tradition, sprang Hugh de Morville, knight, who was one of the murderers of Thomas a Becket. How long the property continued in this ancient, but now forgotten family, we have no means of knowing. At a very early period it belonged to the Glynns, with whom it continued for many generations." 4 Contrary to this quote, the family is not forgotten.

Some of the family were anciently found in Modbury, Devon as the manor of "Brownston was granted by Adam de Morville to the Abbey of Buckfastleigh. " 5 Unfortunately, no date was given wit this entry.