Rycroft History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe vast movement of people that followed the Norman Conquest of England of 1066 brought the Rycroft family name to the British Isles. They lived at Rycroft, in the parish of Birstall, Yorkshire. The surname literally means "dweller by the ryecroft," from the Old English words "ryge, croft." 1 Early Origins of the Rycroft familyThe surname Rycroft was first found in Yorkshire at Ryecroft, a hamlet in the township of Tong, and parish of Birstall. 2 There are several smaller communities that bear this name including locals in Greater Manchester and the West Midlands. But it is from Yorkshire that one of the first records of the name was found: Margareta de Rycroft who was listed there in the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379. The same rolls list Ricardus Rycroft. 2 While there is no doubt of the Yorkshire origin of the name, we would be remiss if we did not include a couple of early entries for the name, that of: Richard de Riecroft at Barnewall, Cambridgeshire c. 1230; and Richard de Ruycroft in the Assize Rolls for Staffordshire in 1325. 1 By the 16th century, the family had branched to Cheshire where the Wills at Chester listed Margaret Rycroft, of Haigh, widow, 1582 and George Minshull, of Rycroft, yeoman, 1586. 2 Early History of the Rycroft familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Rycroft research. Another 131 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1646, 1650, 1690, 1779 and 1895 are included under the topic Early Rycroft History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Rycroft Spelling VariationsA multitude of spelling variations characterize Norman surnames. Many variations occurred because Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules. The introduction of Norman French to England also had a pronounced effect, as did the court languages of Latin and French. Therefore, one person was often referred to by several different spellings in a single lifetime. The various spellings include Rycroft, Roycroft, Raycroft and others. Early Notables of the Rycroft familyOutstanding amongst the family at this time was
Many English families left England, to avoid the chaos of their homeland and migrated to the many British colonies abroad. Although the conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and some travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute, once in the colonies, many of the families prospered and made valuable contributions to the cultures of what would become the United States and Canada. Research into the origins of individual families in North America has revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Rycroft or a variant listed above: Rycroft Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Rycroft Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
Rycroft Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
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: Faythe hathe no fear Motto Translation: Faith has no fear.
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