Show ContentsLapthorne History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Lapthorne family

The surname Lapthorne was first found in Devon 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 13th century when they held lands.

Early History of the Lapthorne family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Lapthorne research. Another 74 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1455 and 1487 are included under the topic Early Lapthorne History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Lapthorne Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Lapthorne are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. Scribes and monks in the Middle Ages spelled names they sounded, so it is common to find several variations that refer to a single person. The variations of the name Lapthorne include: Lapthorn, Lapthorne, Lapthone, Lapthon and others.

Early Notables of the Lapthorne family

Distinguished members of the family include

  • the Lapthorne family of Devon


Australia Lapthorne migration to Australia +

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

Lapthorne Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • William Lapthorne, who arrived in Glenelg Roads aboard the ship "Pestonjee Bomanjee" in 1838 1

Contemporary Notables of the name Lapthorne (post 1700) +

  • Andrew David Lapthorne (b. 1990), British silver medalist wheelchair tennis player at the 2012 Paralympic Games
  • Darren Lapthorne (b. 1983), Australian professional racing cyclist
  • Sir Richard Douglas Lapthorne CBE (b. 1943), British Chairman of Cable and Wireless PLC


  1. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) The PESTONJEE BOMANJEE 1838. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1838PestonjeeBomanjee.htm


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