Remofte History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Remofte is a name that came to England in the 11th century wave of migration that was set off by the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Remofte family lived at Rycroft, in the parish of Birstall, Yorkshire. The surname literally means "dweller by the ryecroft," from the Old English words "ryge, croft." 1

Early Origins of the Remofte family

The surname Remofte was first found in Yorkshire at Ryecroft, a hamlet in the township of Tong, and parish of Birstall. 2 There are several smaller communities that bear this name including locals in Greater Manchester and the West Midlands. But it is from Yorkshire that one of the first records of the name was found: Margareta de Rycroft who was listed there in the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379. The same rolls list Ricardus Rycroft. 2

While there is no doubt of the Yorkshire origin of the name, we would be remiss if we did not include a couple of early entries for the name, that of: Richard de Riecroft at Barnewall, Cambridgeshire c. 1230; and Richard de Ruycroft in the Assize Rolls for Staffordshire in 1325. 1

By the 16th century, the family had branched to Cheshire where the Wills at Chester listed Margaret Rycroft, of Haigh, widow, 1582 and George Minshull, of Rycroft, yeoman, 1586. 2

Early History of the Remofte family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Remofte research. Another 131 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1646, 1650, 1690, 1779 and 1895 are included under the topic Early Remofte History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Remofte Spelling Variations

The 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. Remofte has been recorded under many different variations, including Rycroft, Roycroft, Raycroft and others.

Early Notables of the Remofte family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Sir Richard Rycroft of Everlands. Samuel and Thomas Roycroft, made books in London from about 1650-1690 and from them the term "Roycroft" was born. Elbert Hubbard founded a community in 1895 in the village of East Aurora, Erie County, New York, near Buffalo. It was there that people were...
Another 56 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Remofte Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Remofte family

To 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. Remoftes were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: Henry Ryecroft who arrived in New England in 1760.

The Remofte 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: Faythe hathe no fear
Motto Translation: Faith has no fear.

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)