Bardolph History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Bardolph was first found in Lincolnshire, where one of the first records of the names was Hugo Bardulfus who was registered there in 1142. Thomas Bardolf was recorded in the same shire in 1184. 1

Over in Wormegay, Norfolk another branch of the family was found in early times. "This place is of great antiquity, and is said to have acquired considerable importance before the Conquest. In the time of Henry II., the lordship was held by the Bardolphs; who had a castle here, of which the moat may still be traced." 2

"William Bardulf, who served as sheriff of Norfolk and Suffolk, temp. Henry II. In the succeeding reign, Doun Bardolf, the grandson of the sheriff, acquired in marriage with Beatrix, daughter and heiress of William de Warren, the Barony of Wirmegay in Norfolk, and thenceforth Wirmegay became the designation of the family. " 3

"Another fortunate alliance, that of John, third Lord Bardolf, a banneret of the martial time of Edward III., with the daughter and coheiress of Sir Roger D'Amorie, still further augmented the possessions of the house, but all were lost at the death and attainder of the fifth and ill-fated lord, who, joining the Earl of Northumberland's insurrection, was mortally wounded at Bramham Moor. " 3

Hugh Bardolf (d. 1203), was Justiciar of the Curia Regis, and is presumed to have been son of William Bardolf, Sheriff of Norfolk 16-21 Hen. II. (during the 16th through the 21st years of Henry II's reign.) 4

William Bardolf (d. c. 1275), was a Baronial leader, Lord of Wirmgay, Norfolk, in right of his mother, daughter and heiress of William de Warrenne. 4