Show ContentsTrefusis History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Trefusis family

The surname Trefusis was first found in Cornwall where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor of Trefusis in the parish of Milor.

"The ancient manor of Trefusis has been so long in the family of Trefusis, that no prior claim is known to have existed. It is generally believed, that this property belonged to this family long before the Conquest. But however dubious this fact may appear, it seems to be fully ascertained, that the Trefusis family can be traced as resident at Trefusis in Milor, four generations before the year 1292, though not with those titles with which the family has since been dignified." 1

"The Trefusis family had formerly a seat in this parish, and two manors still belong to Lord Clinton; namely, Treveses and Treworac." 1

"The manor of Trelizike or Trelisick [in the parish of St. Erth, Cornwall] belonged, in the reign of Edward IV. to the lands of Otho de Trefusis. This fact he learned from an ancient deed that fell under his inspection. From the descendants of Trefusis it passed to the Smiths, and in the reign of Charles II. was the property of Sir James Smith." 1

The family held another manor in the parish of St. Keverne. "The manor of Trythnance, which belonged to the Trefusis family, was purchased of them in the year 1786, by Sir William Lemon, the present proprietor." 1

Early History of the Trefusis family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Trefusis research. Another 121 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1170, 1200, 1500 and 1620 are included under the topic Early Trefusis History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Trefusis Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Treffusis, Trefusis, Trefuses, Treyfusis and others.

Early Notables of the Trefusis family

Notable amongst the family at this time was

  • the Trefusis family of Landew who married into the Hepburns, Forbes, and Stuarts

Migration of the Trefusis family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: settlers who were recorded from the mid 17th century in the great migration from Europe to the New World. Many fisherman from the coastal villages of Cornwall migrated to the eastern seaboard from Newfoundland, to Maine, to Florida, and to the Leeward Islands..


Contemporary Notables of the name Trefusis (post 1700) +

  • Sir Hugh Trefusis Brassey, British soldier, High Sheriff of Wiltshire, Aide-de-Camp to Queen Elizabeth II from 1964 to 1969


  1. Hutchins, Fortescue, The History of Cornwall, from the Earliest Records and Traditions to the Present Time. London: William Penaluna, 1824. Print


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