Phere History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The ancient name Phere is a Norman name that would have been developed in England after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. This name was a name given to a companion, friend. It derives from the Middle English word "feare," which means "the proud," "the fierce" or "the bold." 1

Early Origins of the Phere family

The surname Phere was first found in Middlesex where they held a family seat from very early times and were granted lands by Duke William of Normandy, their liege Lord, for their distinguished assistance at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 A.D. They were originally descended from Vere from Manche in the arrondisement of Coutances in Normandy, and Aubrey de Vere was an undertenant in Kensington, Middlesex, and two places in Northampton. 2

By the 13th century the family was scattered throughout ancient Britain. The Hundredorum Rolls of 1279 listed Walter Fere in Oxfordshire and a few years later, Roger le Feer was listed in the Subsidy Rolls of 1327 in Essex. 3

In Somerset, some of the first records were found in Kirby's Quest, 1 Edward III (during the first year of the reign of King Edward III.) William le Fer and Robert le Fere were both listed at that time holding lands there. 4

Early History of the Phere family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Phere research. Another 72 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Phere History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Phere Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years the English language had no fixed system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations occurred commonly in Anglo Norman surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Phere were recorded, including Fear, Fere and others.

Early Notables of the Phere family

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

Migration of the Phere family to Ireland

Some of the Phere family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Phere family

The unstable environment in England at this time caused numerous families to board ships and leave in search of opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad in places like Ireland, Australia, and particularly the New World. The voyage was extremely difficult, however, and only taken at great expense. The cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels caused many to arrive diseased and starving, not to mention destitute from the enormous cost. Still opportunity in the emerging nations of Canada and the United States was far greater than at home and many went on to make important contributions to the cultures of their adopted countries. An examination of many early immigration records reveals that people bearing the name Phere arrived in North America very early: Samuel Fear who settled in Charles Town, N.C. in 1772; Francis Fear settled in Virginia in 1679; George Fear settled in New England in 1750.

Citations +

Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.