Bettswithey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Bettswithey is a name that came to England in the 11th century wave of migration that was set off by the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Bettswithey family lived in Surrey, where they held a family seat from very early times at the village of Betsworth.

Early Origins of the Bettswithey family

The surname Bettswithey 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 Bettswithey family

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

Bettswithey Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason, spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Bettswithey has been recorded under many different variations, including Betsworth, Betesworth, Bettesworth, Betchworth and many more.

Early Notables of the Bettswithey family

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

Migration of the Bettswithey family

To escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Bettswitheys were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: Francis Betsworth who settled in Virginia in 1780.

The Bettswithey 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.