Show ContentsMaltravis History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Maltravis family

The surname Maltravis was first found in Dorset where "Hugh Maltravers witnessed Henry I.'s charter to Montacute, and Stephen William Maltravers gave 1,000 marks of silver and £100 for the widow and lands of Hugh de la Val during the term of fifteen years, and then to have the benefit of her dowry and marriage." 1

Later in Somerset, during the reign of Henry I., "Hugh Maltravers was a witness to the Charter made by that Monarch to the Monks of Montacute. " Another Maltravers "during the 5th of Stephen gave one thousand marks of silver and one hundred pounds for the widow of Hugh Delaval and lands of the said Hugh, during the term of fifteen years. " 2

"Their home was at Wellcombe, and several manors in the county, Lytchet Maltravers, Loders Maltravers, Worth Maltravers, as well as Childrey Maltravers in Berkshire. Sir John Maltravers was Seneschal of the Household to Edward I., and another Sir John his son, who served in the Scottish wars, and was taken prisoner at the battle of Bannockburn, had summons to parliament as John Maltravers in 1327." 1

Some believe that Lord Maltravers took part in the cruel murder of Edward II. After the death, he fled to Germany where he stayed for a number of years due to the judgement of death awaiting him should he return to England. Eventually he was granted a pardon by Edward III for his services abroad and was granted safe passage. Edward III granted Maltravers Governor of the Isles of Guernsey, Alderney and Sarke. 2

It should be noted that the death of Edward II., at Berkeley Castle was surrounded with controversy. Some say he was murdered, others say he died of natural causes. Whatever the case, Maltravers was one of the people charged with tending to the care of Edward II.

Early History of the Maltravis family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Maltravis research. Another 151 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1084, 1136, 1306, 1330, 1345, 1405, 1455 and 1487 are included under the topic Early Maltravis History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Maltravis Spelling Variations

Before the advent of the printing press and the first dictionaries, the English language was not standardized. Sound was what guided spelling in the Middle Ages, so one person's name was often recorded under several variations during a single lifetime. Spelling variations were common, even among the names of the most literate people. Known variations of the Maltravis family name include Maltravers, Matraves, Matravers, Mattravers and many more.

Early Notables of the Maltravis family

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

Migration of the Maltravis family

To escape the political and religious chaos of this era, thousands of English families began to migrate to the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. The passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe; however, those who made the voyage safely were encountered opportunities that were not available to them in their homeland. Many of the families that reached the New World at this time went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations of the United States and Canada. Research into various historical records has revealed some of first members of the Maltravis family to immigrate 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. Cleveland, Dutchess of The Battle Abbey Roll with some Account of the Norman Lineages. London: John Murray, Abermarle Street, 1889. Print. Volume 2 of 3
  2. Burke, John Bernard, The Roll of Battle Abbey. London: Edward Churton, 26, Holles Street, 1848, Print.


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