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| Origins Available: |
| | England |
The surname Wisham was first found in Herefordshire where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor. The Saxon influence of English history diminished after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The language of the courts was French for the next three centuries and the Norman ambience prevailed. But Saxon surnames survived and the family name was first referenced in the 13th century when they held estates in that shire.
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Wisham research. Another 158 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1140, 1159, 1350, 1442, 1455, 1487, 1510, 1545 and 1600 are included under the topic Early Wisham History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Wisham have been found, including Wysham, Wisham, Wyshem, Wishem and others.
Distinguished members of the family include
Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become powerful new nations. Among early immigrants of the Wisham surname to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were: