Barefert History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe ancestors of the name Barefert date back to the days of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The surname is generally thought to have come from a place name, such as from Burford in Oxfordshire, or Burford in Shropshire. 1 These place names are derived from the Old English words "burh," meaning "stronghold," or a "fortified manor," and "ford," a location where a river can be crossed. Some variations of this surname, no doubt come from the Old French word "buffet," meaning "table" or "cupboard." 2 Early Origins of the Barefert familyThe surname Barefert was first found in Shropshire where two of the first listings of the family were listed there in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273: Hugo de Bureford: and Roger de Bureford. 3 William le Burford and Walter le Boreforde were both listed in Kirby's Quest as holding lands in Somerset, 1 Edward III (during the first year's reign of King Edward III.) 4 Early History of the Barefert familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Barefert research. Another 58 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1329 and 1620 are included under the topic Early Barefert History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Barefert Spelling VariationsOne relatively recent invention that did much to standardize English spelling was the printing press. However, before its invention even the most literate people recorded their names according to sound rather than spelling. The spelling variations under which the name Barefert has appeared include Burford, Bareford, Berford, Barford, Buford, Burfort and many more. Early Notables of the Barefert familyMore information is included under the topic Early Barefert Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Barefert family to IrelandSome of the Barefert family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. Migration of the Barefert familyAt this time, the shores of the New World beckoned many English families that felt that the social climate in England was oppressive and lacked opportunity for change. Thousands left England at great expense in ships that were overcrowded and full of disease. A great portion of these settlers never survived the journey and even a greater number arrived sick, starving, and without a penny. The survivors, however, were often greeted with greater opportunity than they could have experienced back home. These English settlers made significant contributions to those colonies that would eventually become the United States and Canada. An examination of early immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name Barefert arrived in North America very early: William Burford, who came to Virginia in 1637; William Buffett, who was on record in Virginia in 1657; George Burford settled in Virginia in 1643; George Burford, who came to Montserrat in 1663.
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