Betsworthay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The name Betsworthay reached England in the great wave of migration following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Betsworthay family lived in Surrey, where they held a family seat from very early times at the village of Betsworth.

Early Origins of the Betsworthay family

The surname Betsworthay 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 Betsworthay family

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

Betsworthay Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, Norman French and other languages became incorporated into English throughout the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Betsworthay include Betsworth, Betesworth, Bettesworth, Betchworth and many more.

Early Notables of the Betsworthay family

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

Migration of the Betsworthay family

In England at this time, the uncertainty of the political and religious environment of the time caused many families to board ships for distant British colonies in the hopes of finding land and opportunity, and escaping persecution. The voyages were expensive, crowded, and difficult, though, and many arrived in North America sick, starved, and destitute. Those who did make it, however, were greeted with greater opportunities and freedoms that they could have experienced at home. Many of those families went on to make important contributions to the young nations in which they settled. Early immigration records have shown some of the first Betsworthays to arrive on North American shores: Francis Betsworth who settled in Virginia in 1780.

The Betsworthay 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.