Betword History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Betword is one of the many names that the Normans brought with them when they conquered England in 1066. The Betword family lived in Surrey, where they held a family seat from very early times at the village of Betsworth.

Early Origins of the Betword family

The surname Betword 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 Betword family

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

Betword Spelling Variations

Before the advent of the printing press and the first dictionaries, the English language was not standardized. Sound was what guided spelling in the Middle Ages, so one person's name was often recorded under several variations during a single lifetime. Spelling variations were common, even among the names of the most literate people. Known variations of the Betword family name include Betsworth, Betesworth, Bettesworth, Betchworth and many more.

Early Notables of the Betword family

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

Migration of the Betword family

To escape the political and religious chaos of this era, thousands of English families began to migrate to the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. The passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe; however, those who made the voyage safely were encountered opportunities that were not available to them in their homeland. Many of the families that reached the New World at this time went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations of the United States and Canada. Research into various historical records has revealed some of first members of the Betword family to immigrate North America: Francis Betsworth who settled in Virginia in 1780.

The Betword 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.