Kerfeld History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe name Kerfeld was brought to England by the Normans when they conquered the country in 1066. The ancestors of the Kerfeld family lived in Norfolk. The name is taken from the family's place of residence prior to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, in Carville, Normandy. [1] Early Origins of the Kerfeld familyThe surname Kerfeld was first found in Norfolk. "The gateway of the ancient Hall [of Wiggenhall] built by the Kerville family, is still remaining. The church is a stately structure in the later English style, with a square embattled tower; the nave is lighted by clerestory windows, and there are a fine brass eagle, and an altar-tomb bearing the arms of the Kervilles and the Plowdens, with the effigies of a knight in armour, his lady, and two children." [2] The source 'History of Norfolk' includes the following entries for the family with various spellings throughout: Robert de Cherevill, Norfolk, 29 Henry II; Roger de Cherevile, Norfolk, 10 Richard I; Walter Cnervyle, rector of Bicham Well, Norfolk, 1329; Frederic de Carvill, Norfolk; Humphrey Carvile, Norfolk, 30 Henry VIII; Thomas Carvel, Norfolk, 1662; and Edmund Carvill, Norfolk, 1599. [3] Early History of the Kerfeld familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kerfeld research. Another 109 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1204, 1545, 1549, 1553, 1566, 1600, 1603, 1622, 1647, 1655, 1664 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Kerfeld History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Kerfeld Spelling VariationsThe 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. Kerfeld has been recorded under many different variations, including Carvill, Carvel, Carvell, Carvil, Carvile, Carville, Kervel, Carvaile, Carwell and many more. Early Notables of the Kerfeld familyOutstanding amongst the family at this time was Nicholas Carvell (d. 1566), English poet, elected from Eton to King's College 1545, was B.A. 1549, M.A. 1553. "He was at Zurich during the reign of Queen Mary, but returned after Elizabeth's accession and died in the summer of 1566. " [4]Thomas Carwell (1600-1664), Jesuit, whose real name was Thorold, "belonged to the ancient Lincolnshire family... Migration of the Kerfeld family to IrelandSome of the Kerfeld family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. Migration of the Kerfeld familyTo 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. Kerfelds were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: Edward Carvel who settled in Philadelphia in 1852; William Carvill settled in Philadelphia in 1844; Patrick Carville settled in Philadelphia in 1868; James Carwell and his wife Margaret settled in Georgia in 1732..
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: Sola virtus triumphat Motto Translation: Virtue alone triumphs.
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