First found in Bedfordshire, Buckingham, and Hertford, where they had been granted lands by King William after the Norman Conquest in 1066.

 More

More about the Beauchamp History...

Please remember that this page is only a small extract of our complete history that includes:

• Ancient origin of the name (usually pre-1100)
• Known spelling variations
• Early movement of the family name during the Middle Ages
• Noteworthy bearers from the 1500-1600s
• First settlers to North America
• Notable contemporary bearers of the name
• A description and/or full color picture of the Coat of Arms, Crest, and Motto (where available)

Because of the political and religious discontent in England, families began to migrate abroad in enormous numbers. Faced with persecution and starvation at home, the open frontiers and generally less oppressive social environment of the New World seemed tantalizing indeed to many English people. The trip was difficult, and not all made it unscathed, but many of those who did get to Canada and the United States made important contributions to the young nations in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers with Beauchamp name or one of its variants: Edward Beauchamp, a Huguenot and Freeman, who settled in Salem, Massachusetts in 1643; James Beacham, who arrived in Barbados in 1685; John Beacham, who settled in New England in 1698.

For more information on the last name Beauchamp, the PDF Surname History is available for purchase as well as other products.