| ![Show Contents]() Berch History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
The Anglo-Saxon name Berch comes from the family having resided in an area close to a birch tree which is derived from the Old English word Birce, which literally means birch. The family gave their name to the village of Birch in Lancashire. Early Origins of the Berch familyThe surname Berch was first found in Lancashire at Birch, a district chapelry, in the parish of Manchester, union of Chorlton, hundred of Salford. "The chapel, dedicated to St. James, is supposed to have been originally built by a member of the family of Birch. Birch Hall, a seat of the Haverseges, passed from them to the Birches; and it is conjectured that the plans laid by James, Earl of Derby, for seizing Manchester for Charles I., were disconcerted by the councils of Col. Birch (1615-1691) and his compeers, held here." 1 "In the reign of Edward II. the manor [of Birches in Cheshire] passed with the heiress of Nicholas de Birches, by marriage, to the Winningtons." 1 Early History of the Berch familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Berch research. Another 46 words (3 lines of text) covering the years 1615, 1645, 1652, 1660, 1691 and 1710 are included under the topic Early Berch History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Berch Spelling VariationsBerch 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. Spelling variants included: Birch, Birche, Burch, Berch and others. Early Notables of the Berch familyNotables of the family at this time include John Birch, Bishop of Hereford; and Colonel John Birch (1615-1691), an English politician, Member of Parliament for Leominster (1645-1660), who fought for the Parliamentary cause in the English civil war. He "belonged to a younger...
Another 43 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Berch Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.  Migration of the Berch family to Ireland
Some of the Berch family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 36 words (3 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Berch familyIn 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 Berchs to arrive on North American shores: John Birch who settled in Dorchester Massachusetts in 1630; Mary Birch who settled in Maryland in 1739; Thomas Birch settled in New England in 1654.
| Contemporary Notables of the name Berch (post 1700) | + |
- Rebecca White Berch, American justice on the Arizona Supreme Court
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: Prudentia simplicitate
Motto Translation: Simply prudent.
- Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
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England
Ireland
