Beareforthy History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe ancestors of the name Beareforthy 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 Beareforthy familyThe surname Beareforthy 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 Beareforthy familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Beareforthy research. Another 58 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1329 and 1620 are included under the topic Early Beareforthy History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Beareforthy Spelling VariationsBefore the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Beareforthy were recorded, including Burford, Bareford, Berford, Barford, Buford, Burfort and many more. Early Notables of the Beareforthy familyMore information is included under the topic Early Beareforthy Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Beareforthy family to IrelandSome of the Beareforthy family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. Migration of the Beareforthy familyTo escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Beareforthy family emigrate to North America: 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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