Show ContentsCandos History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Candos family

The surname Candos 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 Candos family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Candos 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 Candos History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Candos Spelling Variations

A multitude of spelling variations characterize Norman surnames. Many variations occurred because Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules. The introduction of Norman French to England also had a pronounced effect, as did the court languages of Latin and French. Therefore, one person was often referred to by several different spellings in a single lifetime. The various spellings include Chandos, Candos, Candoos, Candoes, Chandoes, Cando, Candow, Candows, Candoes, Chaundos, Chaundows and many more.

Early Notables of the Candos family

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

Migration of the Candos family

Many English families left England, to avoid the chaos of their homeland and migrated to the many British colonies abroad. Although the conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and some travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute, once in the colonies, many of the families prospered and made valuable contributions to the cultures of what would become the United States and Canada. Research into the origins of individual families in North America has revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Candos 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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