The present generation of the Asword family is only the most recent to bear a name that dates back to the ancient
Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. Their name comes from having lived in the chapelry named
Ashworth anciently spelt
Asseheworth in
Lancashire. Despite the small size of this town (only 233 in the 1861 census) many of the surname have flourished since that time.
[1]CITATION[CLOSE]
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)The first part of the name, Ash, was originally given to a person who resided in an area where ash trees flourished. Now there are numerous parishes and townships called Ashworth in many counties and there are also various minor localities of this same name from which smaller lines of the name may have emerged.
Early Origins of the Asword family
The surname Asword was first found in
Lancashire at Ashworth, a parochial chapelry, in the parish of Middleton, union of Bury,
hundred of Salford. "A family named Ashworth was seated here as early as the 13th century, and appears to have been succeeded by the Holts."
[2]CITATION[CLOSE]
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Early History of the Asword family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Asword research.
Another 149 words (11 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Asword History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Asword Spelling Variations
Until the dictionary, an invention of only the last few hundred years, the English language lacked any comprehensive system of spelling rules. Consequently,
spelling variations in names are frequently found in early
Anglo-Saxon and later Anglo-Norman documents. One person's name was often spelled several different ways over a lifetime. The recorded variations of Asword include Ashworth, Asworth, Ashworthe and others.
Early Notables of the Asword family (pre 1700)
More information is included under the topic Early Asword Notables in all our
PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Asword family to Ireland
Some of the Asword family moved to
Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 78 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Asword family to the New World and Oceana
Thousands of English families boarded ships sailing to the New World in the hope of escaping the unrest found in
England at this time. Although the search for opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad took the lives of many because of the cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels, the opportunity perceived in the growing colonies of North America beckoned. Many of the settlers who survived the journey went on to make important contributions to the transplanted cultures of their adopted countries. The Asword were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: William Ashworth who settled in Virginia in 1653; Nicholas, Sydney and William Ashworth arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1832 and 1841; along with many more of the name..
The Asword 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: Appetitus rationi pareat
Motto Translation: Let your desires obey your reason.