Show ContentsLambtum History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Lambtum family

The surname Lambtum was first found in Durham where there is a township named Lambton. "Lambton Hall formerly stood here, and was the residence of the Lambton family until the death of William Lambton, Esq., at the close of the eighteenth century." 1 The first on record was John Lambton, Lord of Lambton, who lived about 1150. His successor was Sir Robert Lambton, Lord of Lambton in 1314. 2

His direct descendent was Sir William Lambton, a Royalist, who was a cavalry officer in the service of Charles I and was slain at Marston Moor. Now known as Lambton, Tyne and Wear, it is home to the legend of the Lambton Worm, John Lambton, heir to the Lambton estate and his quest to vanquish the giant worm (dragon.) From this legend, a Lambton curse for three generations, a song written in 1867, and an opera named "The Lambton Worm" by Robert Johnson survive.

Early History of the Lambtum family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Lambtum research. Another 54 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1505, 1582, 1583, 1593, 1640, 1644, 1651, 1662, 1685, 1693, 1698, 1701, 1702, 1717 and 1724 are included under the topic Early Lambtum History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Lambtum Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Lambtum have been found, including Lambton, Lampton, Lamton, Lambtone and others.

Early Notables of the Lambtum family

Notables of the family at this time include John Lambton (1505-1582); Robert Lambton (died 1583); Ralph Lambton (died 1593); Colonel Sir William Lambton (died 1644), who fought in the Battle of Marston Moor on 2 July 1644; and his...
Another 38 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Lambtum Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Lambtum family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America bore the name Lambtum, or a variant listed above: James Lambstone, who arrived in Virginia in 1652.



  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  2. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.


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