Broadwytt History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The origins of the Broadwytt name lie with England's ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It comes from when the family lived near a wide body of water; this may have been either a river or a lake. The surname Broadwytt may also be derived from residence in the old parish of Broadwater, which now a suburb of Worthing in Sussex. This parish was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, under the name of Bradewatre. This land, which was held by William de Braose at that time, was the site of a church and a mill.

Early Origins of the Broadwytt family

The surname Broadwytt was first found in Sussex, at Broadwater, originally a parish, in the union of Preston and in the hundred of Brightford. 1 St. Mary's Church, Broadwater, is a Church of England parish church that is listed in the Domesday Book. It is thought to have been built over and ancient Saxon church as in 1939, a Saxon doorway in the south wall of the chancel was discovered. Saxon doorjambs and window arches are preserved within the walls of the present tower.

Thomas Bradwardine (1290?-1349), was Archbishop of Canterbury and is commonly called Doctor Profundus. His surname is variously spelt Bragwardin (Gerson), Brandnardinus (Gesner), Bredwardyn (Birchington), and Bradwardyn (William de Dene). "In public documents he is usually designated as Thomas de Bradwardina or de Bredewardina. His family may have originally come from Bradwardine near Hereford, but he himself says that he was born in Chichester, and implies that his father and grandfather were also natives of that city. " 2

Early History of the Broadwytt family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Broadwytt research. Another 210 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1273, 1290, 1349, 1500, 1590, 1610 and 1623 are included under the topic Early Broadwytt History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Broadwytt Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Broadwytt were recorded, including Broadwater, Bradewatre, Brawatere, Brawdwater, Bradwater, Broadwatter and many more.

Early Notables of the Broadwytt family

Another 36 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Broadwytt Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Broadwytt family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Broadwytt family emigrate to North America: Hugh Broadwater, who came to Virginia in 1663; John Broadwater, who arrived in America in 1671; as well asThomas Broadwater who arrived in Jamaica in 1684..

Citations +

Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print