Show ContentsSapsworth History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Sapsworth family

The surname Sapsworth was first found in Hertfordshire where the surname is descended from the tenant of the lands and village of Sawbridgeworth, held by Geoffrey de Mandeville, a Norman noble, who was recorded in the Domesday Book census of 1086. 1 The village consisted of Mill and a few houses.

Utterby in Lincolnshire is of indirect interest to the family. "Utterby House, the seat of the Rev. H. B. Benson, is beautifully situated, and the grounds comprehend some picturesque scenery; over the entrance are the armorial bearings of the Sapsford family." 2 Unfortunately, we can find no trace of how the family arms came to be there. One can only presume that at one time the family held Utterby House.

Early rolls showed the many spellings in use through the ages including Richard de Sabrisheword was listed in the Pipe Rolls for London in 1230. "Sapseth became Sapsed, and, with an intrusive t, Sapstead." 3

Early History of the Sapsworth family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Sapsworth research. Another 61 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Sapsworth History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Sapsworth Spelling Variations

The 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. Sapsworth has been recorded under many different variations, including Sapsford, Sapsworth, Sapsforde, Sapstead, Sapseth, Sapford and many more.

Early Notables of the Sapsworth family

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

Migration of the Sapsworth family

To 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. Sapsworths were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: 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..



  1. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  2. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  3. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)


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