Betesworde History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Betesworde is a name that was carried to England in the great wave of migration from Normandy following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Betesworde family lived in Surrey, where they held a family seat from very early times at the village of Betsworth.

Early Origins of the Betesworde family

The surname Betesworde was first found in Surrey where they held a family seat from very early times and were granted lands by Duke William of Normandy, their liege Lord, for their distinguished assistance at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 A.D. They were conjecturally descended from Richard FitzGilbert, a Norman noble who was granted the Old Mill and Church at Becesworde (Betchworth) at Betworth, later to become known as Betsworth in that shire. The Church still has eleventh century fragments and the Old Mill was rebuilt in the 16th century.

Early History of the Betesworde family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Betesworde research. Another 91 words (6 lines of text) covering the year 1726 is included under the topic Early Betesworde History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Betesworde 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 Betesworde were recorded, including Betsworth, Betesworth, Bettesworth, Betchworth and many more.

Early Notables of the Betesworde family

More information is included under the topic Early Betesworde Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Betesworde 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 Betesworde arrived in North America very early: Francis Betsworth who settled in Virginia in 1780.

The Betesworde 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: En Dieu est mon espoir
Motto Translation: In God is my hope.