Show ContentsThrokmorton History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Throkmorton is part of the ancient legacy of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is a product of when the family lived in Throckmorton (Throckmorten) in Worcestershire. The village dates back to 1176 when it was first listed as Trochemerton and possibly meant "farmstead by a pool with a beam bridge," from the Old English words "troc" + "mere" + "tun." 1

Early Origins of the Throkmorton family

The surname Throkmorton was first found in Worcestershire at Throckmorton, a chapelry, in the parish of Fladbury, union of Pershore, Middle division of the hundred of Oswaldslow "where John de Trockemerton, the supposed ancestor of this family, was living about the year 1200. From this John descended, after many generations, another 'John Throkmerton,' who was according to Leland, 'the first settler up of his name to any worship in Throckmerton village." 2

Some of the family held estates at Weston-Underwood in Buckinghamshire in early times. " In the parish is an ancient [family] seat, now uninhabited, of the Throckmorton family, who have also a neat Roman Catholic chapel here, with a handsome residence for the priest." 3

Early History of the Throkmorton family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Throkmorton research. Another 79 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1445, 1450, 1515, 1554, 1571, 1579, 1584, 1606, 1628, 1630, 1656, 1658, 1663, 1664, 1681 and 1682 are included under the topic Early Throkmorton History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Throkmorton Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Throkmorton has been spelled many different ways, including Throckmorton, Throgmortond, Throggmorton and many more.

Early Notables of the Throkmorton family

Notables of the family at this time include Sir John Throckmorton or Throgmorton (d. 1445), Under-Treasurer of England, the son of Thomas Throgmorton of Fladbury, Worcestershire; Sir Nicholas Throckmorton, (c.1515-1571), English diplomat and politician; Francis Throckmorton (1554-1584), nephew of Sir Nicholas and a conspirator against Queen Elizabeth I; Sir William Throckmorton, 1st Baronet of Tortworth (c. 1579-1628); Sir...
Another 58 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Throkmorton Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Throkmorton family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Throkmortons to arrive in North America: John and George Throckmorton settled in Boston in 1631; along with Patience and Rebecca; John Throgmorton settled in Virginia in 1618; two years before the ".



The Throkmorton Motto +

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 sola nobilitas
Motto Translation: Virtue is the only nobility.


  1. Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
  2. Shirley, Evelyn Philip, The Noble and Gentle Men of England; The Arms and Descents. Westminster: John Bower Nichols and Sons, 1866, Print.
  3. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.


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