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![Show Contents]() Epworde History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 England
The ancestors of the name Epworde date back to the days of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name is derived from their residence in either of the settlements called Hepworth in Suffolk and the West Riding of Yorkshire. The surname Epworde belongs to the large category of Anglo-Saxon habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads. Early Origins of the Epworde familyThe surname Epworde was first found in Yorkshire at Hepworth, a small village which dates back to at least the Domesday Book where it was listed as Heppeuuord 1and Heppeword, part of the Burghshire wapentake. 2 More recently, Hepworth is famous as one of the locations for the BBC's long-running comedy series Last of the Summer Wine. Early History of the Epworde familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Epworde research. Another 70 words (5 lines of text) covering the year 1257 is included under the topic Early Epworde History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Epworde Spelling VariationsEpworde 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 Epworde have been found, including Hepworth, Hepworthe and others. Early Notables of the Epworde familyMore information is included under the topic Early Epworde Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Epworde familyIn 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 Epwordes to arrive on North American shores: Joseph Hepworth settled in Barbados in 1634; James, Benjamin, Luke, Richard, Thomas and William Hepworth settled in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860..
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: Loyal au mort
Motto Translation: Faithful unto death.
- Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
- Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
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