Bettisword History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The name Bettisword was carried to England in the enormous movement of people that followed the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Bettisword family lived in Surrey, where they held a family seat from very early times at the village of Betsworth.

Early Origins of the Bettisword family

The surname Bettisword 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 Bettisword family

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

Bettisword 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 Betsworth, Betesworth, Bettesworth, Betchworth and many more.

Early Notables of the Bettisword family

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

Migration of the Bettisword 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 Bettisword or a variant listed above: Francis Betsworth who settled in Virginia in 1780.

The Bettisword 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.