Berkeworthey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The name Berkeworthey was brought to England in the great wave of migration following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Berkeworthey family lived in the town of Barkwith, in the county of Lincolnshire.

Early Origins of the Berkeworthey family

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

Early History of the Berkeworthey family

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

Berkeworthey Spelling Variations

Endless spelling variations are a prevailing characteristic of Norman surnames. Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules, and the introduction of Norman French added an unfamiliar ingredient to the English linguistic stew. French and Latin, the languages of the court, also influenced spellings. Finally, Medieval scribes generally spelled words according to how they sounded, so one person was often referred to by different spellings in different documents. The name has been spelled Barksworth, Backwith, Backworth, Barkworth, Barkwith, Barkworse and many more.

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

Migration of the Berkeworthey family

To escape the political and religious persecution within England at the time, many English families left for the various British colonies abroad. The voyage was extremely difficult, though, and the cramped, dank ships caused many to arrive in the New World diseased and starving. But for those who made it, the trip was most often worth it. Many of the families who arrived went on to make valuable contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families reveals a number of immigrants bearing the name Berkeworthey or a variant listed above: John Barkeworth who settled in Virginia in 1654.

The Berkeworthey 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.