Show ContentsCandow History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Candow family

The surname Candow was first found in Suffolk where they claim descent from Hugh de Montfort held by Roger de Candos, a Norman noble, who was recorded in the Domesday Book census of 1086. 1

Robert de Chandos, of Candos in Eure in Normandy, was companion in arms to William the Conqueror and was granted Caerleon in Wales and lordships in Herefordshire where he founded Goldcliff Priory. The parish of Mugginton, Derbyshire played an important part of the family's heritage. "The manor, in Domesday Book Mogintune, was anciently held under Earl Ferrers, and in the reign of Edward I. was in moieties between the families of Chandos and Stafford." 2

Sir John Chandos (d. 1370), was an English soldier, descended from Robert de Chandos, a companion of William the Conqueror. In the thirteenth century two families claimed descent from this Robert-one settled in Herefordshire, and the other in Derbyshire. To the latter branch Sir John Chandos belonged. His father, Sir Edward Chandos, received a pension of 40l. for military service rendered in 1327. 3

Early History of the Candow family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Candow research. Another 140 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1191, 1346, 1357, 1510, 1543, 1600 and 1941 are included under the topic Early Candow History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Candow Spelling Variations

Before 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 Candow were recorded, including Chandos, Candos, Candoos, Candoes, Chandoes, Cando, Candow, Candows, Candoes, Chaundos, Chaundows and many more.

Early Notables of the Candow family

More information is included under the topic Early Candow Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Candow migration to the United States +

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 Candow arrived in North America very early:

Candow Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • John Candow, aged 23, arrived in New York in 1918 aboard the ship "Prospero" from St. John's, Newfoundland 4
  • William E Candow, aged 24, arrived in New York City in 1924 aboard the ship "Belgenland" from Southampton, England 4

Contemporary Notables of the name Candow (post 1700) +

  • Lloyd Candow, Newfoundland songwriter, known for his song, "Some Shocking Good"


  1. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  2. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  3. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
  4. Ellis Island Search retrieved 15th November 2022. Retrieved from https://heritage.statueofliberty.org/passenger-result


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