Show ContentsWarhurst History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The origins of the Warhurst name lie with England's ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It comes from when the family lived in the settlement of Wareham in Dorset or in either of the places called Warham in Herefordshire or Norfolk. The surname Warhurst belongs to the large category of Anglo-Saxon habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads.

Early Origins of the Warhurst family

The surname Warhurst was first found in Dorset where they were Lords of the manor of Wareham. Today Wareham (Wareham Town) is a town and civil parish, in Dorset situated on the River Frome eight miles (13 km) southwest of Poole. The older streets of the town date back to Roman times. Town walls and ancient earth ramparts still surround the town which were built by Alfred the Great in the 9th century.

Historically, the town was a Saxon royal burial place, notably that of King Beorhtric (c. 800) and Edward the Martyr (c. 978). Like many other towns of Dorset, fishing was an important way of life that led many to the New World in search of better fishing grounds.

Wareham Priory was a priory in Dorset, and may have dated back to the Saxons in 672. The site is now home to the Priory Hotel. "The ancient mansion of Dinton Hall [in Dinton, Buckinghamshire] was probably erected by William de Wareham, Archbishop of Canterbury, his name, and his arms quartered with those of the see of Canterbury, frequently occurring in the old painted-glass windows." [1]

One of the first on record was Ranulf of Wareham (died 1222), also known Ranulph de Wareham or Ralph Wareham, the medieval Bishop of Chichester (1217-1222.) He was a monk of Norwich Cathedral before becoming prior. It is generally believed that he came from Dorset. In 1829, his bones were found in Chichester Cathedral.

Early History of the Warhurst family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Warhurst research. Another 135 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1222, 1450, 1480, 1502, 1503, 1504, 1505, 1506, 1509, 1532, 1557 and 1655 are included under the topic Early Warhurst History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Warhurst Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Warhurst were recorded, including Warham, Wareham and others.

Early Notables of the Warhurst family

Notables of this surname at this time include: William Warham (c.1450-1532), Archbishop of Canterbury (1503-1532.) Born in Malshanger, Hampshire, he was educated at Winchester College and New College, Oxford. He rose to become Bishop of London in 1502 and later Chancellor of Oxford University in 1506. He married...
Another 48 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Warhurst Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Warhurst family to Ireland

Some of the Warhurst 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.


Australia Warhurst migration to Australia +

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

Warhurst Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Elias Warhurst, English convict from Chester, who was transported aboard the "America" on April 4, 1829, settling in New South Wales, Australia [2]
  • John Warhurst, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Delhi" in 1839 [3]
  • Mary Warhurst, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Delhi" in 1839 [3]
  • William Warhurst, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Delhi" in 1839 [3]
  • Solomon Warhurst, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Delhi" in 1839 [3]
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Warhurst (post 1700) +

  • Roy Warhurst (b. 1926), British footballer
  • Paul Warhurst (b. 1969), British footballer
  • Myfanwy "Myf" Warhurst (b. 1973), Australian radio announcer and television personality
  • Kit Warhurst (b. 1971), Australian drummer
  • John Warhurst (b. 1944), British Olympic racewalker


  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  2. State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2014, November 26) America voyage to New South Wales, Australia in 1829 with 176 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/america/1829
  3. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) DELHI 1839. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1839Delhi.htm


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