| ![Show Contents]() Bridgeghan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
The Anglo-Saxon name Bridgeghan comes from when its first bearer worked as a dweller by or "keeper of the bridge" in various parts of England. Early Origins of the Bridgeghan familyThe surname Bridgeghan was first found in Sussex where one of the first records of the name was John Brygeman who was listed in the Subsidy Rolls of that county in 1296. The next reference of the name was John Bregman who was listed in 1310 in Essex. 1 A few years later, John Bruggemon was listed in the Subsidy Rolls of Warwickshire of 1332. The same reference listed two versions of the following entry: William Breggeman and William atte Bregge. In the Yorkshire Poll Tax records of 1379, we found Johannes Brigeman. 2 Early History of the Bridgeghan familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bridgeghan research. Another 72 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1568, 1577, 1606, 1638, 1640, 1642, 1646, 1647, 1649, 1652, 1671, 1674, 1682, 1685, 1687, 1692, 1695, 1699, 1701, 1764, 1847, 1878, 1928 and 1990 are included under the topic Early Bridgeghan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Bridgeghan 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 Bridgeghan include Bridgeman, Bridgman and others. Early Notables of the Bridgeghan familyDistinguished members of the family include Dr. John Bridgeman (1577-1652), Bishop of Chester who purchased the manor of Great Lever from the Assheton family, re-built the Hall, and resided here during some part of the Rebellion. The Bishop's eldest son, Sir Orlando Bridgeman, chief Baron of the exchequer, and afterwards lord keeper of the great seal, was the first English-man advanced to the dignity of Baronet by Charles II. after the Restoration, by the name of Sir Orlando Bridgeman, of Great Lever.Sir John Bridgeman (1568-1638) was Chief Justice of Chester; Henry Bridgeman, DD (died 1682), an Anglican clergyman, the Bishop of...
Another 102 words (7 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Bridgeghan Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.  Migration of the Bridgeghan family to Ireland
Some of the Bridgeghan family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 40 words (3 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Bridgeghan familySearching 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 Bridgeghan or a variant listed above: Jacob Bridgemen who settled in Virginia in 1654; John Bridgeman settled in Virginia in 1663; Walter Bridgeman arrived in Philadelphia in 1684; Thomas Bridgman settled in Virginia in 1654.
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: Nec Temere Nec Timide
Motto Translation: Neither rashly nor timidly.
- Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
- Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
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England
Ireland
