The name Epworthey is part of the ancient legacy of the
Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is a product of when the family lived in either of the settlements called Hepworth in
Suffolk and the West Riding of
Yorkshire. The surname Epworthey 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 Epworthey family
The surname Epworthey 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
[1]CITATION[CLOSE]
Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)and Heppeword, part of the Burghshire
wapentake.
[2]CITATION[CLOSE]
Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8) 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 Epworthey family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Epworthey research.
Another 139 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 125 and 1257 are included under the topic Early Epworthey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Epworthey Spelling Variations
The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few
hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time,
spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Epworthey has been spelled many different ways, including Hepworth, Hepworthe and others.
Early Notables of the Epworthey family (pre 1700)
More information is included under the topic Early Epworthey Notables in all our
PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Epworthey family to the New World and Oceana
Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Epwortheys to arrive in North America: Joseph Hepworth settled in Barbados in 1634; James, Benjamin, Luke, Richard, Thomas and William Hepworth settled in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860..
The Epworthey Motto
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.