Bedwell History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe ancient history of the Bedwell name begins with the ancient Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name is derived from when the family resided in Bidwell, Hertfordshire. This place name derives from the Old English words "byde," meaning "tub," and "well," meaning a "spring," or "stream." Combined the name means "dweller by the spring or stream in a shallow valley." 1 Early Origins of the Bedwell familyThe surname Bedwell was first found in Bedfordshire (Old English: Bedanfordscir), located in Southeast-central England, formerly part of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia, where Bidwell was said to be a picturesque hamlet lying to the north-west of Houghton village. 2 3 There is an early record of a Stephen de Bedewellin in Essex in the Calendar of the Close Rolls, in 1229. 1 Early records of the name mention Bidewell (without surname) documented in County Surrey in the Pipe Rolls of 1185. Stephen de Bedewell was recorded in the year 1229 in County Essex. Bedewell (without surname) appears in 1240 in County Essex and Bidewelle (without surname) was documented in 1330 in County Yorkshire. 1 William Bedewell of Yorkshire was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. 4 Early History of the Bedwell familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bedwell research. Another 113 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1323, 1388, 1420, 1508, 1520, 1532, 1537, 1561, 1562, 1571, 1589, 1595, 1627, 1632, 1641, 1642, 1646, 1650, 1654 and 1656 are included under the topic Early Bedwell History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Bedwell Spelling VariationsUntil quite recently, the English language has lacked a definite system of spelling rules. Consequently, Anglo-Saxon surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. Changes in Anglo-Saxon names were influenced by the evolution of the English language, as it incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other languages. Although Medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, so it is common to find one person referred to by several different spellings of his surname, even the most literate people varied the spelling of their own names. Variations of the name Bedwell include Bedwell, Bedwel, Bedewell, Bidwell, Bidewell and many more. Early Notables of the Bedwell familyNotables of the family at this time include
Bedwell RankingIn the United States, the name Bedwell is the 7,434th most popular surname with an estimated 4,974 people with that name. 5 Migration of the Bedwell family to IrelandSome of the Bedwell family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Searching for a better life, many English families migrated to British colonies. Unfortunately, the majority of them traveled under extremely harsh conditions: overcrowding on the ships caused the majority of the immigrants to arrive diseased, famished, and destitute from the long journey across the ocean. For those families that arrived safely, modest prosperity was attainable, and many went on to make invaluable contributions to the development of the cultures of the new colonies. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Bedwell or a variant listed above: Bedwell Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Bedwell Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Bedwell Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include: Bedwell Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include: Bedwell Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
HMS Royal Oak
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: Semper Sec Motto Translation: Always Thus
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