In ancient Scotland, Retfeart was a Strathclyde-Briton name for someone who lived in Midlothian. However, the Retfeart 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."
Loading...
Early Origins of the Retfeart family
The surname Retfeart 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.
Loading...
Early History of the Retfeart family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Retfeart research. Another 115 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1404, 1535, 1547, 1611, 1612 and 1688 are included under the topic Early Retfeart History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Loading...
Retfeart Spelling Variations
In Medieval times, spelling and translation were not nearly so highly developed as today. They were generally carried out according to the sound and intuition of the bearer. For that reason spelling variations are extremely common among early Scottish names. Retfeart has been spelled Redford, Redfurd, Rudford, Reidford and others.
Loading...
Early Notables of the Retfeart 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 Retfeart Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Loading...
Migration of the Retfeart family
Unrest, poverty, and persecution caused thousands to look for opportunity and freedom in the North American colonies. The crossing was long, overcrowded, and unsanitary, though, and came only at great expense. Many Strathclyde families settled on the east coast of North America in communities that would form the backbone of what would become the great nations of the United States and Canada. The American War of Independence caused those who remained loyal to England to move north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. In the 20th century, Strathclyde and other Scottish families across North America began to recover their collective heritage through highland games and Clan societies. Among them: John Redford settled in Bermuda in 1635; James, John and Thomas Redford all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1870.
Scotland
England
