Show ContentsIorworth History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Iorworth family

The surname Iorworth was first found in Shropshire, an English county, bordering Wales to the west. It is here that Griffin filius Yeruerth was registered in the Pipe Rolls of 1196. Later, Jarforth filius Ithell was found in the Assize Rolls for Shropshire in 1221. 1

"Yerworth was a Welsh personal name found at an early period." 2 Iorwerth, alias Gervase, was Bishop of St. David's in 1215.

Iorwerth ab Bleddyn (d. 1112), Welsh prince, "was a younger son of Bleddyn ab Cynvyn, and brother, therefore, of Cadwgan (d. 1112), Madog, Rhirid, and Maredudd. In 1100 he was living in Ceredigion as the vassal of Robert of Bellême, Earl of Shrewsbury, and to some extent joint ruler with his elder brother Cadwgan (d. 1112), the prince of Ceredigion and part of Powys. In 1102, when Bellême revolted against Henry I, he called on the Britons subject to him to come to his help, promising them property, gifts, and freedom (Brut y Tywysogion, p. 69, Rolls ed. The dates of the 'Brut' are here two years wrong). Iorwerth accompanied Cadwgan to the neighbourhood of Bridgnorth to annoy the troops which Henry I had brought against Robert's stronghold. Henry now sent William Pantoul or Pantulf, a bitter enemy of his former lord, Bellême, to buy off the Welsh kings. He separated Iorwerth from Cadwgan by promising him Powys, Ceredigion, half of Dyved (including Pembroke Castle), Ystrad Towy, Gower, and Kidwelly, 'whilst the king should live, free without homage and payment' . Iorwerth went to the king's camp and agreed to change sides. While Cadwgan and Maredudd were still with Earl Robert, Iorwerth managed to turn the whole Welsh army against the lord of Shrewsbury. This unexpected blow was the more severe as Bellême had sent his cattle and riches for safety among the Britons. He saw that all was lost, in despair abandoned Bridgnorth, and soon lost his power altogether. " 3

Early History of the Iorworth family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Iorworth research. Another 187 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1111, 1181, 1215, 1443, 1455, 1487, 1510, 1565 and 1600 are included under the topic Early Iorworth History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Iorworth Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Yerworth, Yeworth, Yourworth, Yerth, Yourth, Eorth, Yarworth, Iorworth, Yarwood and many more.

Early Notables of the Iorworth family

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

Migration of the Iorworth family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: 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..


Contemporary Notables of the name Iorworth (post 1700) +

  • Dr. Iorworth Peat, Welsh Folk museum curator


  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  3. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print


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