Show ContentsCandoes History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Candoes family

The surname Candoes was first found in Suffolk where they claim descent from Hugh de Montfort held by Roger de Candos, a Norman noble, who was recorded in the Domesday Book census of 1086. 1

Robert de Chandos, of Candos in Eure in Normandy, was companion in arms to William the Conqueror and was granted Caerleon in Wales and lordships in Herefordshire where he founded Goldcliff Priory. The parish of Mugginton, Derbyshire played an important part of the family's heritage. "The manor, in Domesday Book Mogintune, was anciently held under Earl Ferrers, and in the reign of Edward I. was in moieties between the families of Chandos and Stafford." 2

Sir John Chandos (d. 1370), was an English soldier, descended from Robert de Chandos, a companion of William the Conqueror. In the thirteenth century two families claimed descent from this Robert-one settled in Herefordshire, and the other in Derbyshire. To the latter branch Sir John Chandos belonged. His father, Sir Edward Chandos, received a pension of 40l. for military service rendered in 1327. 3

Early History of the Candoes family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Candoes research. Another 140 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1191, 1346, 1357, 1510, 1543, 1600 and 1941 are included under the topic Early Candoes History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Candoes Spelling Variations

Endless spelling variations are a prevailing characteristic of Norman surnames. Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules, and the introduction of Norman French added an unfamiliar ingredient to the English linguistic stew. French and Latin, the languages of the court, also influenced spellings. Finally, Medieval scribes generally spelled words according to how they sounded, so one person was often referred to by different spellings in different documents. The name has been spelled Chandos, Candos, Candoos, Candoes, Chandoes, Cando, Candow, Candows, Candoes, Chaundos, Chaundows and many more.

Early Notables of the Candoes family

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

Migration of the Candoes family

To escape the political and religious persecution within England at the time, many English families left for the various British colonies abroad. The voyage was extremely difficult, though, and the cramped, dank ships caused many to arrive in the New World diseased and starving. But for those who made it, the trip was most often worth it. Many of the families who arrived went on to make valuable contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families reveals a number of immigrants bearing the name Candoes or a variant listed above: the name represented in many forms and recorded from the mid 17th century in the great migration from Europe. Migrants settled in the eastern seaboard from Newfoundland, to Maine, to Virginia, the Carolinas, and to the islands..



  1. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  2. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  3. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print


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