Show ContentsBenthal History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Anglo-Saxon name Benthal comes from the family having resided in the county of Salop (Shropshire), where the Benthal family took their name from the parish of Benthall, near Much Wenlock. References to the family name in this area date back to the 12th century. Benthall Hall is a 16th century English country house is located there, a few miles from the historic Ironbridge Gorge. The Hall was built around 1580, on the site of an earlier 12th century medieval manor and manor house. It proudly retains much of its fine oak interior, and an elaborate 17th century staircase. Moreover, it is still occupied by the Benthall family, but has been owned by the National Trust since 1958. Alternatively, the name could have been derived from Benthall, a village in Northumberland about 6 kilometers south east of Bamburgh. 1

Early Origins of the Benthal family

The surname Benthal was first found in Shropshire where Robert de Benethal was listed in the Assize Rolls for 1221. Later, again in Shropshire, Philip de Benedhal was listed in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1255. 2

"The Bendalls may derive their name from the Suffolk parish of Benhall. De Benedhal was a Shropshire name in the 13th century. The Bentalls are numerous in the Chelmsford district of Essex. Benhall is the name of a parish in Suffolk." 3

Early History of the Benthal family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Benthal research. Another 51 words (4 lines of text) covering the year 1221 is included under the topic Early Benthal History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Benthal Spelling Variations

Benthal has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Spelling variants included: Bendall, Bendell, Bendal, Bendel, Bendle, Bentall, Benthall and many more.

Early Notables of the Benthal family

More information is included under the topic Early Benthal Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Benthal family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Benthals to arrive on North American shores: Paul Bendle who settled in Torbay, Newfoundland before 1754; Josiah Bendal, who settled in Maryland in 1775; James Bendall settled in Virginia in 1663.



  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  2. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  3. Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.


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