Yearwood History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Yearwood was first found in Shropshire, an English county, bordering Wales to the west. It is here that Griffin filius Yeruerth was registered in the Pipe Rolls of 1196. Later, Jarforth filius Ithell was found in the Assize Rolls for Shropshire in 1221. 1

"Yerworth was a Welsh personal name found at an early period." 2 Iorwerth, alias Gervase, was Bishop of St. David's in 1215.

Iorwerth ab Bleddyn (d. 1112), Welsh prince, "was a younger son of Bleddyn ab Cynvyn, and brother, therefore, of Cadwgan (d. 1112), Madog, Rhirid, and Maredudd. In 1100 he was living in Ceredigion as the vassal of Robert of Bellême, Earl of Shrewsbury, and to some extent joint ruler with his elder brother Cadwgan (d. 1112), the prince of Ceredigion and part of Powys. In 1102, when Bellême revolted against Henry I, he called on the Britons subject to him to come to his help, promising them property, gifts, and freedom (Brut y Tywysogion, p. 69, Rolls ed. The dates of the 'Brut' are here two years wrong). Iorwerth accompanied Cadwgan to the neighbourhood of Bridgnorth to annoy the troops which Henry I had brought against Robert's stronghold. Henry now sent William Pantoul or Pantulf, a bitter enemy of his former lord, Bellême, to buy off the Welsh kings. He separated Iorwerth from Cadwgan by promising him Powys, Ceredigion, half of Dyved (including Pembroke Castle), Ystrad Towy, Gower, and Kidwelly, 'whilst the king should live, free without homage and payment' . Iorwerth went to the king's camp and agreed to change sides. While Cadwgan and Maredudd were still with Earl Robert, Iorwerth managed to turn the whole Welsh army against the lord of Shrewsbury. This unexpected blow was the more severe as Bellême had sent his cattle and riches for safety among the Britons. He saw that all was lost, in despair abandoned Bridgnorth, and soon lost his power altogether. " 3