Bidlestum History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Bidlestum is an ancient Anglo-Saxon name that is derived from the Old English personal name Bita. Alternatively, the name could have been "derived from an official title, 'the beadle,' one who executed processes or attended proclamations." 1

Early Origins of the Bidlestum family

The surname Bidlestum was first found in Somerset, where John le Bedal, was recorded 1 Edward III (during the first year of the reign of Edward III) in Kirby's Quest. 2 The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 list Geoffrey le Bedel in Kent, Martin le Bedel in Norfolk and Walter Bidellus in Lincolnshire. 1

Early History of the Bidlestum family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bidlestum research. Another 157 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1400, 1615, 1652, 1662, 1738, 1745, 1750, 1774, 1775, 1778, 1779, 1786, 1821 and 1844 are included under the topic Early Bidlestum History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bidlestum Spelling Variations

Bidlestum 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. Many variations of the name Bidlestum have been found, including Biddle, Biddell, Biddelle and others.

Early Notables of the Bidlestum family

Notables of this surname at this time include: Henry Biddulph of Biddulph; John Biddle or Bidle (1615-1662), born at Wotton-under-Edge in Gloucestershire, an influential English nontrinitarian, and Unitarian, often called "the Father of English Unitarianism"; Nicholas Biddle (1750-1778), one of the first five captains of...
Another 45 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Bidlestum Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Bidlestum 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 Bidlestums to arrive on North American shores: Thomas Bidle who settled in Barbados in 1654; William Biddle settled in Barbados in 1680; with wife and two children and servants; William Biddle settled in west New Jersey in 1664.

Citations +

Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.