Show ContentsGrimwade History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Grimwade name is an important part of the history of the ancient Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. Grimwade is derived from the baptismal name for the son of Grimward.

Early Origins of the Grimwade family

The surname Grimwade was first found in Lancashire where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Grimwade family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Grimwade research. Another 73 words (5 lines of text) covering the year 1247 is included under the topic Early Grimwade History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Grimwade Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Grimwade were recorded, including Grimwood, Grimwade and others.

Early Notables of the Grimwade family

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


Grimwade migration to Australia +

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

Grimwade Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mr. William Grimwade, English convict who was convicted in Suffolk, England for 7 years for larceny, transported aboard the "Clyde" on 20th August 1830, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 1

Contemporary Notables of the name Grimwade (post 1700) +

  • Frederick Sheppard Grimwade (1840-1910), English-born, Australian businessman and Victorian member of parliament
  • Philip Sheppard Grimwade (1912-1961), Australian politician, Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly for Goulburn (1947–1950)
  • Frederick Sheppard "Fred" Grimwade (1933-1989), Australian politician from Melbourne, elected to the Victorian Legislative Council representing Bendigo Province (1967)
  • Darren John Grimwade (b. 1980), Australian politician, Member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly for Morayfield (2012-2015)
  • Major General Harold William Grimwade CB, CMG, VD (1869-1949), Australian Army colonel, businessman and pharmacist
  • Sir Andrew Grimwade (b. 1930), Australian philanthropist and businessman, honorary President of the National Gallery of Victoria
  • Peter Grimwade (1942-1990), British television writer and director, best known for his work on the BBC science fiction television series Doctor Who


The Grimwade 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: Auxilio divino
Motto Translation: By divine aid.


  1. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 19th February 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/clyde


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