Bafforth History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Bafforth is a name that was carried to England in the great wave of migration from Normandy following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Bafforth family lived in the town of Barkwith, in the county of Lincolnshire.

Early Origins of the Bafforth family

The surname Bafforth was first found in Lincolnshire, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Bafforth family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bafforth research. Another 106 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1600 and 1601 are included under the topic Early Bafforth History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bafforth 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 Bafforth were recorded, including Barksworth, Backwith, Backworth, Barkworth, Barkwith, Barkworse and many more.

Early Notables of the Bafforth family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Mark Barkworth or Lambert (d. 1601), a Benedictine monk, native of Lincolnshire who converted to the Catholic faith at the age of twenty-two. "After being admitted to holy orders he was...
Another 39 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Bafforth Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Bafforth family

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 Bafforth arrived in North America very early: John Barkeworth who settled in Virginia in 1654.

The Bafforth Motto +

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: Esto quod esse videris
Motto Translation: Be what you seem to be.