Show ContentsWaterstum History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Waterstum is one of the names that was brought to England in the wave of migration following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Waterstum family lived in Lincolnshire, at Waterton.

Early Origins of the Waterstum family

The surname Waterstum 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 Waterstum family

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

Waterstum Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, Norman French and other languages became incorporated into English throughout the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Waterstum include Watterton, Wateton, Waterton, Watertown and others.

Early Notables of the Waterstum 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 Waterstum Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Waterstum family to Ireland

Some of the Waterstum 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 Waterstum family

In England at this time, the uncertainty of the political and religious environment of the time caused many families to board ships for distant British colonies in the hopes of finding land and opportunity, and escaping persecution. The voyages were expensive, crowded, and difficult, though, and many arrived in North America sick, starved, and destitute. Those who did make it, however, were greeted with greater opportunities and freedoms that they could have experienced at home. Many of those families went on to make important contributions to the young nations in which they settled. Early immigration records have shown some of the first Waterstums to arrive on North American shores: J.D. Watertown who landed in New England in 1650; Michael Waterton sailed to Maryland in 1665.



The Waterstum 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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