Radcliff History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe Norman Conquest of England in 1066 brought much change to the island nation, including many immigrants with new names. Among these immigrants were the ancestors of the Radcliff family, who lived in Lancashire, at Radcliffe. The name of this place translates as red cliff, from its Saxon origin and indicates that originally the town was distinguished by its proximity to such a landmark on the east side of Irwell. Early Origins of the Radcliff familyThe surname Radcliff was first found in Lancashire, at Radcliffe, a parish, in the union of Bury, hundred of Salford that dates back to at least the Domesday Book of 1086 where it was listed as Radecliue. 1 "In the 14th of Edward III., Richard Radcliffe held the manor for the manor of Whalley [at Wiswell]." 2 One of the oldest records of the surname was William de Radeclive, one of the knights of the Grand Inquest, 13th of John. 2 Radcliffe Tower, now in ruins, was one of the most considerable manorial seats in the county. Richard of Radclyffe Tower was listed there in the reign of Edward I; 3 as was Richard Radcliffe, High Sheriff of Lancashire, 32 Edward III. The tower was rebuilt in the reign by James de Radcliffe, Lord of the Manor of Radcliffe in 1403. Radcliffe is today a town within the Metropolitan Borough of Bury, in Greater Manchester. Another branch of the family was found at Winmarleigh, a township in Lancashire. "The Radcliffes afterwards became lords of the manor [of Winmarleigh] by the marriage of Richard le Radcliffe with the heiress of the Plesyngtons; and the estate passed through several heirs to Anne Radcliffe, who married Sir Gilbert Gerard: by a descendant of the last-named, it is supposed to have been sold to the Pattens." 2 Early History of the Radcliff familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Radcliff research. Another 219 words (16 lines of text) covering the years 1050, 1165, 1194, 1381, 1476, 1478, 1479, 1485, 1494, 1547, 1593, 1599, 1606, 1608, 1609, 1611, 1621, 1625, 1628, 1629, 1633, 1646, 1650, 1652, 1654, 1655, 1657, 1673, 1689, 1697, 1705, 1714, 1716 and 1813 are included under the topic Early Radcliff History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Radcliff Spelling VariationsBefore the last few hundred years the English language had no fixed system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations occurred commonly in Anglo Norman surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Radcliff were recorded, including Radcliffe, Radcliff, Radclyffe, Ratliffe, Ratliff, Ratlife and many more. Early Notables of the Radcliff familyOutstanding amongst the family at this time was
Radcliff RankingIn the United States, the name Radcliff is the 6,790th most popular surname with an estimated 4,974 people with that name. 4 Migration of the Radcliff family to IrelandSome of the Radcliff family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
The unstable environment in England at this time caused numerous families to board ships and leave in search of opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad in places like Ireland, Australia, and particularly the New World. The voyage was extremely difficult, however, and only taken at great expense. The cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels caused many to arrive diseased and starving, not to mention destitute from the enormous cost. Still opportunity in the emerging nations of Canada and the United States was far greater than at home and many went on to make important contributions to the cultures of their adopted countries. An examination of many early immigration records reveals that people bearing the name Radcliff arrived in North America very early: Radcliff Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Radcliff Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Radcliff Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
Radcliff Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
Some of the first settlers of this family name were: Radcliff Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
Radcliff Settlers in Canada in the 20th Century
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: Virtus propter se Motto Translation: Virtue for its own sake.
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