Gatward History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Early Origins of the Gatward family

The surname Gatward was first found in Essex where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor. The Saxon influence of English history diminished after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The language of the courts was French for the next three centuries and the Norman ambience prevailed. But Saxon surnames survived and the family name was first referenced in the year 1255 when Richard le Gateward held estates in that county.

Early History of the Gatward family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gatward research. Another 96 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1273, 1455, 1487 and 1524 are included under the topic Early Gatward History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gatward Spelling Variations

Until 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 Gatward include Gatward, Gatewood, Gatwood, Gateward, Gattward and many more.

Early Notables of the Gatward family

Distinguished members of the family include

the Gatward family of Essex

Gatward migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Gatward Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Daniel Gatward, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Orleana" in 1840 1

Contemporary Notables of the name Gatward (post 1700) +

Alan Gatward (b. 1930), English cameraman from Hackney, London, known for Superman (1978), Crossroads to Crime (1960) and Queen of the Blues (1979)
James Gatward (b. 1979), British director, known for The Outsiders (1979-1977)
Rebecca Gatward, British director, known for Shetland (2018), Bad Sisters (2022), Traces (2019) and Dublin Murders (2019)
Isobel Anne Gatward BEM (b. 1942), known professionally as Isobel Black, a British actress, daughter of the screenwriter Ian Stuart Black
Group Captain Alfred Kitchener "Ken" Gatward DSO, DFC*, AE, (1914-1998), British Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot of the Second World War from Edmonton, London

Citations +

State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) ORLEANA 1840. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1840Orleana.htm