Show ContentsBanbro History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Banbro family

The surname Banbro was first found in Lancashire, at Bamber-Bridge, an ecclesiastical district, in the chapelry of Walton-le-Dale, parish, and Lower division of the hundred, of Blackburn, union of Preston. 1 2

Alternatively, the family could have originated in Bambrough, a parish, in the union of Belford, N. division of Bambrough ward and of Northumberland. "Bambrough, originally called Bebbanburg, was prior to the Conquest a royal burgh, and the residence of several of the kings of Northumbria. It sent two members to parliament in the 23rd of Edward I., and in the reign of Edward III. furnished one ship for the expedition against Calais. " 1

Nearby is Bambrough-Castle, a township, in the parish, and N. division of the ward, of Bambrough, union of Belford. "This township is principally distinguished for its castle, built about the middle of the sixth century, by Ida, the first Anglo-Saxon king of Northumbria. In 642 it was besieged by Penda, King of Mercia, who, after an unsuccessful attempt to set it on fire, was compelled to retreat. " 1

Thomas de Baumburgh (fl. 1332), was Clerk of the Chancery and Keeper of the Great Seal. He is mentioned in 1328 as then holding the living of Emildon in Northumberland. 3

Early History of the Banbro family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Banbro research. Another 60 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1200, 1400, 1607, 1613, 1623, 1624, 1631, 1639, 1646 and 1987 are included under the topic Early Banbro History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Banbro Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Banbro are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Banbro include: Bamber, Bambar, Bambere, Bamburgh and others.

Early Notables of the Banbro family

Another 39 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Banbro Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Banbro family to Ireland

Some of the Banbro family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 33 words (2 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 Banbro family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Banbro or a variant listed above: Robert Bamber who settled in Virginia in 1734; Margaret and Robert settled in New England in 1805.



The Banbro 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: Fortis et egregius
Motto Translation: Bold and excellent.


  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  2. Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.
  3. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print


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