Berkewithey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

When the ancestors of the Berkewithey family emigrated to England following the Norman Conquest in 1066 they brought their family name with them. They lived in the town of Barkwith, in the county of Lincolnshire.

Early Origins of the Berkewithey family

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

Early History of the Berkewithey family

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

Berkewithey Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence in the eras before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate regularly changed the spellings of their names as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Berkewithey have been found, including Barksworth, Backwith, Backworth, Barkworth, Barkwith, Barkworse and many more.

Early Notables of the Berkewithey 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 Berkewithey Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Berkewithey family

For many English families, the social climate in England was oppressive and lacked opportunity for change. For such families, the shores of Ireland, Australia, and the New World beckoned. They left their homeland at great expense in ships that were overcrowded and full of disease. Many arrived after the long voyage sick, starving, and without a penny. But even those were greeted with greater opportunity than they could have experienced back home. Numerous English settlers who arrived in the United States and Canada at this time went on to make important contributions to the developing cultures of those countries. Many of those families went on to make significant contributions to the rapidly developing colonies in which they settled. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name Berkewithey were among those contributors: John Barkeworth who settled in Virginia in 1654.

The Berkewithey 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.