Powess History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Wales

The forbears of the name Powess once lived in Powys, an ancient district in North Wales. It was divided into the counties of Brecknock, Radnor, and Montgomery by the English in the late 13th century according to the terms of the Statute of Rhuddan.

Early Origins of the Powess family

The surname Powess was first found in Shropshire, where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Powess family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Powess research. Another 106 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1648, 1649, 1688, 1713, 1714, 1719 and 1732 are included under the topic Early Powess History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Powess Spelling Variations

Compared to other ancient cultures found in the British Isles, the number of Welsh surnames are relatively few, but there are an inordinately large number of spelling variations. These spelling variations began almost as soon as surname usage became common. The most obvious reason was the challenge of translating from Welsh into English. As a result, people could not specify how to spell their own names leaving the specific recording up to the individual scribe or priest. Those recorders would then spell the names as they heard them, causing many different variations. Later, many Welsh names were recorded in English. This transliteration process was extremely imprecise since the Brythonic Celtic language of the Welsh used many sounds the English language was not accustomed to. Finally, some variations occurred by the individual's design: a branch loyalty within a family, a religious adherence, or even patriotic affiliations were indicated by spelling variations of one's name. The Powess name over the years has been spelled Powys, Powis and others.

Early Notables of the Powess family

Prominent amongst the family during the late Middle Ages was Sir Thomas Powys (1649-1719), from Henley Hall, Shropshire, Attorney General to King James II. He was chief prosecutor at the trial of the Seven Bishops in June 1688, and was a Justice of...
Another 43 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Powess Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Powess family

Many people from Wales joined the general migration to North America in the 19th and 20th centuries, searching for land, work, and freedom. Like the many other immigrants from the British Isles, they made a significant contribution to the development of Canada and the United States. The Welsh and their descendents added a rich cultural tradition to the newly developed towns, cities, and villages. An investigation of the immigration and passenger lists has revealed a number of people bearing the name Powess: Robert Powis settled in Virginia in 1649; Sarah Powys, who settled in South Carolina sometime between 1670 and 1686; John Powys, who came to South Carolina in 1683.

The Powess Motto +

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: Parta tueri
Motto Translation: Defend your acquisitions.