Claffering History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Claffering 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 Claffering family lived in Essex, where they held lands and a family seat at Clavering. "The village is irregularly built, but contains some respectable houses, and the surrounding scenery is agreeably diversified. The church is a spacious and handsome edifice of stone, with an embattled tower. " 1

Early Origins of the Claffering family

The surname Claffering was first found in Essex where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor of Clavering. They are said to be descended from Eustace, a Norman noble who had two sons, Serlo and John. The former built Knaresborough Castle. The latter had a son Pagan, and Eustace, the progenitor of the Clavering line.

At the time of the taking of the Domesday Book survey in 1086 A.D. the village of Clavering held a Mill, 5 beehives, a foal, 23 goats, and a sail-less windmill. The castle, of which the moats still survive, was built before the Conquest by Robert FitzWinarc. The village was held by the Swein (Earl) of Essex. 2

Another reference has a slightly different origin of the family: "Robert Fitz-Roger, Baron of Warkworth, the ancestor of this great Norman family, was father of John, who assumed the name 'Clavering,' from a lordship in Essex, as it is said, by the appointment of King Edward I. From Sir Alan, younger brother of John, the present family is descended." 3

Early History of the Claffering family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Claffering research. Another 110 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1565, 1592, 1607, 1620, 1629, 1630, 1648, 1649, 1656, 1658, 1668, 1672, 1698, 1702, 1707, 1714, 1715, 1727, 1731, 1734, 1741, 1762, 1848, 1850, 1866 and 1867 are included under the topic Early Claffering History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Claffering 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. Claffering has been recorded under many different variations, including Clavering, Clafering, Claffering, Clavring and others.

Early Notables of the Claffering family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was James Clavering (1565-1630), an English merchant adventurer, Mayor of Newcastle upon Tyne in 1607 who bought an estate at Axwell House, near Blaydon on Tyne in 1629; John Clavering (c. 1592-1648); and his son, Sir James Clavering, 1st Baronet (1620-1702), an English landowner and politician, High Sheriff of Durham in 1649, Member of Parliament for Durham (1656-1658); James Clavering, 2nd Baronet (1668-1707), who took part in...
Another 74 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Claffering Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Claffering 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. Clafferings were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: Anthony Clavrin who settled in the Carolinas in 1730.

The Claffering 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: Ad coelos volans
Motto Translation: Flying to the heavens.

Citations +

Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
Shirley, Evelyn Philip, The Noble and Gentle Men of England; The Arms and Descents. Westminster: John Bower Nichols and Sons, 1866, Print.