Show ContentsWaidrtume History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Waidrtume reached England in the great wave of migration following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Waidrtume family lived in Lincolnshire, at Waterton.

Early Origins of the Waidrtume family

The surname Waidrtume was first found in Lincolnshire where they held a family seat as Lords of the manor of Waterton from the time of the Norman Conquest in 1066. The now abandoned village dated back to the Domesday Book where the lands and manor were held by Fulcric. 1 While there can be doubt that Lincolnshire is the original home of this illustrious family, we must look to Yorkshire to see the family's true achievements. For it was here that Rayner de Waterton was Lord of the manor of Waterton about 1100, Sir Robert Waterton was Master of the Horse to Henry IV., and John Wateron served King Henry V. at Agincourt who served the same office where from this place. 2 An old ballad says "Waterton the banner bore, of famed St. George at Agincourt."

Early History of the Waidrtume family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Waidrtume research. Another 79 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1340, 1360, 1409, 1425 and 1460 are included under the topic Early Waidrtume History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Waidrtume Spelling Variations

Before the advent of the printing press and the first dictionaries, the English language was not standardized. Sound was what guided spelling in the Middle Ages, so one person's name was often recorded under several variations during a single lifetime. Spelling variations were common, even among the names of the most literate people. Known variations of the Waidrtume family name include Watterton, Wateton, Waterton, Watertown and others.

Early Notables of the Waidrtume family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Rayner de Waterton, Lord of the manor of Waterton; and Robert Waterton, (c. 1360-1425), the trusted servant of the House of Lancaster under three monarchs, Henry IV, Henry V, and...
Another 37 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Waidrtume Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Waidrtume family to Ireland

Some of the Waidrtume family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Waidrtume family

To escape the political and religious chaos of this era, thousands of English families began to migrate to the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. The passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe; however, those who made the voyage safely were encountered opportunities that were not available to them in their homeland. Many of the families that reached the New World at this time went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations of the United States and Canada. Research into various historical records has revealed some of first members of the Waidrtume family to immigrate North America: J.D. Watertown who landed in New England in 1650; Michael Waterton sailed to Maryland in 1665.



The Waidrtume 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: Better kinde frembd than frembd kyen
Motto Translation: Better a stranger who becomes a friend than a friend who becomes a stranger.


  1. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  2. Shirley, Evelyn Philip, The Noble and Gentle Men of England; The Arms and Descents. Westminster: John Bower Nichols and Sons, 1866, Print.


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