Hanfithy History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe name Hanfithy is an old Anglo-Saxon name. It comes from when a family lived in the township of Handforth, in the parish of Cheadle in the county of Cheshire. Early Origins of the Hanfithy familyThe surname Hanfithy was first found in Cheshire at Handforth. "The manor, as early as the reign of Henry III., was in the family of Handford, from whom, with the manor of Bosden, it passed to the Breretons, and subsequently to the Booths." 1 Handford, or Hanford is a parish in the union of Stone, in the hundred of Pirehill in Staffordshire. 1 Of the two, we know that Handforth, Cheshire dates back to the 12th century when it was first known as Haneford and it literally meant "ford frequented by cocks (wild birds)" or "ford at the stones (used as markers)" from the Old English words "hanna" + "ford." 2 As far as early records of the family, we found John de Honford (Handforth) was first listed in Earwaker's History East Cheshire in 1370. The same sources notes Thomas de Honford was listed there in 1398. 3 Handforth Hall is a former manor house in Handforth, Cheshire dating back to 1562 having been built for Sir Urian Brereton. Early History of the Hanfithy familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hanfithy research. Another 138 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1230, 1325, 1565, 1598, 1635, 1638 and 1784 are included under the topic Early Hanfithy History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Hanfithy Spelling VariationsBefore 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 Hanfithy were recorded, including Handford, Hanford, Handforth and others. Early Notables of the Hanfithy familyMore information is included under the topic Early Hanfithy Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Hanfithy familyTo 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 Hanfithy family emigrate to North America: Thomas Handford settled in Scituate in Massachusetts in 1645; and became a Freeman of that colony; Jane, Martha and Richard Handford settled in New England in 1754..
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