| ![Show Contents]() Radclyffe History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Radclyffe is a name that came to England in the 11th century wave of migration that was set off by the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Radclyffe family lived in Lancashire, at Radcliffe. The name of this place translates as red cliff, from its Saxon origin and indicates that originally the town was distinguished by its proximity to such a landmark on the east side of Irwell. Early Origins of the Radclyffe familyThe surname Radclyffe was first found in Lancashire, at Radcliffe, a parish, in the union of Bury, hundred of Salford that dates back to at least the Domesday Book of 1086 where it was listed as Radecliue. 1 "In the 14th of Edward III., Richard Radcliffe held the manor for the manor of Whalley [at Wiswell]." 2 One of the oldest records of the surname was William de Radeclive, one of the knights of the Grand Inquest, 13th of John. 2 Radcliffe Tower, now in ruins, was one of the most considerable manorial seats in the county. Richard of Radclyffe Tower was listed there in the reign of Edward I; 3 as was Richard Radcliffe, High Sheriff of Lancashire, 32 Edward III. The tower was rebuilt in the reign by James de Radcliffe, Lord of the Manor of Radcliffe in 1403. Radcliffe is today a town within the Metropolitan Borough of Bury, in Greater Manchester. Another branch of the family was found at Winmarleigh, a township in Lancashire. "The Radcliffes afterwards became lords of the manor [of Winmarleigh] by the marriage of Richard le Radcliffe with the heiress of the Plesyngtons; and the estate passed through several heirs to Anne Radcliffe, who married Sir Gilbert Gerard: by a descendant of the last-named, it is supposed to have been sold to the Pattens." 2 Early History of the Radclyffe familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Radclyffe research. Another 219 words (16 lines of text) covering the years 1050, 1165, 1194, 1381, 1476, 1478, 1479, 1485, 1494, 1547, 1593, 1599, 1606, 1608, 1609, 1611, 1621, 1625, 1628, 1629, 1633, 1646, 1650, 1652, 1654, 1655, 1657, 1673, 1689, 1697, 1705, 1714, 1716 and 1813 are included under the topic Early Radclyffe History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Radclyffe Spelling VariationsThe English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason, spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Radclyffe has been recorded under many different variations, including Radcliffe, Radcliff, Radclyffe, Ratliffe, Ratliff, Ratlife and many more. Early Notables of the Radclyffe familyOutstanding amongst the family at this time was - Others include: Francis Radclyffe, 1st Earl of Derwentwater (1625-1697), of Dilston Castle, an English peer and member of the House of Lords; Edward Radclyffe, 2nd Earl of Derwentwater (1655-1705), an...
 Migration of the Radclyffe family to Ireland
Some of the Radclyffe family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Radclyffe familyTo escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Radclyffes were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: James and Jane Radcliff, who settled in New England in 1685; Alexander Radcliff settled in New York in 1803; John Radcliffe settled in Philadelphia in 1775.
| Contemporary Notables of the name Radclyffe (post 1700) | + |
- William Radclyffe (1783-1855), English line-engraver born in Birmingham
- Charles Radclyffe (1693-1746), titular 5th Earl of Derwentwater, who claimed the title Fifth Earl of Derwentwater and an early Freemason
- Sir Charles Edward Mott Radclyffe (1911-1992), Conservative Party politician in the United Kingdom
- Sarah Radclyffe (b. 1950), British film producer
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: Virtus propter se
Motto Translation: Virtue for its own sake.
- Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
- Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
- Shirley, Evelyn Philip, The Noble and Gentle Men of England; The Arms and Descents. Westminster: John Bower Nichols and Sons, 1866, Print.
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England
Ireland
