Show ContentsRedforde History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Among the all the peoples of ancient Scotland, the first to use the name Redforde were the Strathclyde-Britons. It was a name for someone who lived in Midlothian. However, the Redforde family name comes from any of several place names in England called Redford, from Old English re-ad meaning "red" and ford, meaning "a place where a river can be crossed."

Early Origins of the Redforde family

The surname Redforde was first found in Midlothian, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Scotland to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the Redforde family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Redforde research. Another 115 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1404, 1535, 1547, 1611, 1612 and 1688 are included under the topic Early Redforde History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Redforde Spelling Variations

The variation in the spelling of Medieval names is a result of the lack of spelling rules in the English language prior to the last few hundred years. Before that time, scribes spelled according to sound, often varying the spelling of name within a single document. Redforde has appeared as Redford, Redfurd, Rudford, Reidford and others.

Early Notables of the Redforde family

Notable amongst the family at this time was Sir Henry Redford (died 1404), English politician, Speaker of the House of Commons, who came of a family long settled in Lindsey, Lincolnshire; and John Redford (died 1547), a...
Another 36 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Redforde Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Redforde family

As the persecution of Clan families continued, they sailed for North America in increasing numbers. In most cases, they found the freedom and opportunity they sought. Land was often available and the American War of Independence allowed Scots an opportunity to solidify their independence from the English crown. These settlers and their ancestors went on to play essential roles in the forging of the nations of the United States and Canada. Among them: John Redford settled in Bermuda in 1635; James, John and Thomas Redford all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1870.



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