Show ContentsCamfill History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Camfill family

The surname Camfill was first found in Northamptonshire where Gerald de Camvile, the grandson of the Norman adventurer held a family seat temp. Stephen at Lilburne Castle. He granted two parts of the tithes of Charletin Camvile in Somersetshire to the monks of Bermondsey in Surrey. His son, Richard de Camvile founded Combe Abbey in Warwickshire and was known as a person of great power during the reign of Henry II. 1

Gerrard de Camville (d. 1215?), was an early judge and was "son of Richard de Camville, who is mentioned among the leaders and constables of Richard I's fleet in 1190, was appointed joint governor of Cyprus with Robert de Turneham in 1191, and died at the siege of Acre in the same year." 2

Thomas de Camville (d. 1235), was also an early judge, third son of William, brother of Gerard de Camville, by Albreda, daughter of Geoffrey Marmion. He held the manors of Westerham in Kent and Senefield and Fobbing in Essex. 2

Early History of the Camfill family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Camfill research. Another 137 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1180, 1295, 1307, 1455, 1487, 1510 and 1600 are included under the topic Early Camfill History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Camfill Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Camfill has been spelled many different ways, including Camville, Canville, Camvile, Camvill, Canvill, Canfill, Canfille, Canfile, Camfill, Camfille, Canville and many more.

Early Notables of the Camfill family

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

Migration of the Camfill family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Camfills to arrive in North America: the name represented in many forms and recorded from the mid 17th century in the great migration from Europe. Migrants settled in the eastern seaboard from Newfoundland, to Maine, to Virginia, the Carolinas, and to the islands..



  1. Burke, John Bernard, The Roll of Battle Abbey. London: Edward Churton, 26, Holles Street, 1848, Print.
  2. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print


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