Show ContentsSteedham History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Steedham family

The surname Steedham was first found in Gloucestershire where in pre 12th century records, the family is shown as branching to Dolgoer in Brecknockshire and into the county of Shropshire, they later branched to Strata Florida in Brecknock. John Stedeman was issued a Parliamentary Writ in 1306.

By the time of the Hundredorum Rolls in 1273, there were scattered listings of the family: Richard Stedeman, Cambridgeshire; and Gilbert de Stedman, Oxfordshire. The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 included Johannes Stedeman. 1

One source notes that there is much debate about the etymological origin of the name but generally, it is thought the name was Anglo-Saxon and derived from the words "stcade, a stead, station, or place," as in "a farm house and offices." "Steadman was therefore a farmer, or perhaps a farm-bailiff." 2

Early History of the Steedham family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Steedham research. Another 77 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1321, 1621, 1630, 1640, 1668, 1673, 1677, 1713 and 1739 are included under the topic Early Steedham History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Steedham Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Steedham are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Steedham include: Stedman, Steadman and others.

Early Notables of the Steedham family

Notables of the family at this time include Fabian Stedman (1640-1713), English leading figure in campanology and bell-ringing, author of two books: Tintinnalogia (1668) and Campanalogia (1677) are the first two...
Another 30 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Steedham Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Steedham family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Steedham or a variant listed above: John Steadman who settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1686; Ann and James Steadman settled in Maryland in 1742; Catherine Steadman settled in Virginia in 1741.



The Steedham 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: Cuncta mea mecum
Motto Translation: My all is with me.


  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.


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