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![Show Contents]() Epwork History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 England
Of all the Anglo-Saxon names to come from Britain, Epwork is one of the most ancient. The name is a result of the original family having lived in either of the settlements called Hepworth in Suffolk and the West Riding of Yorkshire. The surname Epwork belongs to the large category of Anglo-Saxon habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads. Early Origins of the Epwork familyThe surname Epwork was first found in Yorkshire at Hepworth, a small village which dates back to at least the Domesday Book where it was listed as Heppeuuord 1and Heppeword, part of the Burghshire wapentake. 2 More recently, Hepworth is famous as one of the locations for the BBC's long-running comedy series Last of the Summer Wine. Early History of the Epwork familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Epwork research. Another 70 words (5 lines of text) covering the year 1257 is included under the topic Early Epwork History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Epwork Spelling VariationsThe 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. Epwork has been spelled many different ways, including Hepworth, Hepworthe and others. Early Notables of the Epwork familyMore information is included under the topic Early Epwork Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Epwork familyThousands 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 Epworks to arrive in North America: Joseph Hepworth settled in Barbados in 1634; James, Benjamin, Luke, Richard, Thomas and William Hepworth settled in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860..
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: Loyal au mort
Motto Translation: Faithful unto death.
- Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
- Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
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