Show ContentsTolbarte History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Tolbarte is an ancient Norman name that arrived in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The name Tolbarte comes from the Germanic personal name Talabert, meaning bright valley. 1

Early Origins of the Tolbarte family

The surname Tolbarte was first found in Shropshire, Staffordshire and Yorkshire. "This great historical family is traced to the Conquest, Richard Talbot, living at that period, being the first recorded ancestor. " 2 In Normandy, their place of origin, the name was originally listed as D'Eu, a baronial name. 3

William Talebot "came to England in 1066, and had 1. Richard; 2. Geoffrey, ancestor of Lord Talbot of Malahide. Richard Talebot in 1086 held in Bedford from Walter Giffard, Baron of Boldec. " 3 4

"No family in England are more connected with the history of our country than this noble race; few are more highly allied. The Marches of Wales appear to have been the original seat; afterwards we find the Talbots in Shropshire, in Staffordshire, and lastly in Yorkshire." 2 5

The chapelry of Salebury played an important part in the story of the family history. "In the reign of Edward II. a charter for free warren in this manor was granted to Sir Robert de Cliderhou, whose daughter occurs as owner of the manor in 1406. Isabella, her daughter, conveyed the manor in marriage to John Talbot, of Bashall. Their son was instrumental to the betrayal of Henry VI., whose apprehension is said to have occurred here, though Leland fixes the scene in Cletherwoode. However this may be, letters-patent were granted to him by Edward IV. for a pension of twenty marks out of the duchy revenues. In this odious service, Sir James Haryngton was the principal actor, and the Talbots his subordinate agents.

John Talbot, the last male heir of the family, left a daughter, married to Edward Warren of Poynton, from whose family the manor passed by marriage: it now belongs to Lord de Tabley. " 6

Another branch of the family was found at Alveton in Staffordshire. "The extensive manor of Alton became the property of John Talbot, first earl of Shrewsbury, by his marriage with the heiress of the Furnival family, and has remained with his descendants to the present time." 6 The township of Bashall-Eaves in the West Riding of Yorkshire was home to another family seat. "This place, long distinguished as the residence of the Talbots, has been variously designated Beckshalgh, Batsalve, Bakesholf, and Bashall. " 6

"The Talbots are now chiefly established in Somerset, Dorset, Lancashire, and Notts. The ancient and illustrious family of the Talbots, dating back to Domesday times, were originally settled in the Welsh Marches, and afterwards in Shropshire and Staffordshire, and then in Yorkshire." 7

Early History of the Tolbarte family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Tolbarte research. Another 211 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1172, 1274, 1384, 1417, 1453, 1456, 1457, 1458, 1460, 1620, 1623, 1630, 1633, 1642, 1659, 1660, 1667, 1668, 1669, 1680, 1691, 1702, 1710, 1714, 1715 and 1718 are included under the topic Early Tolbarte History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Tolbarte Spelling Variations

A 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 Talbot, Talbott, Talbut, Talbart, Talbert and many more.

Early Notables of the Tolbarte family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was William Talbot at the Battle of Hastings; John Talbot, 1st Earl of Shrewsbury and 1st Earl of Waterford KG (1384-1453), known as "Old Talbot", an important English military commander during the Hundred Years' War, as well as the only Lancastrian Constable of France; John Talbot, 2nd Earl of Shrewsbury, 2nd Earl of Waterford, 8th Baron Talbot, KG (c. 1417-1460), an English nobleman and soldier, son of John Talbot, 1st Earl of Shrewsbury and Maud Nevill, 6th...
Another 84 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Tolbarte Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Tolbarte family to Ireland

Some of the Tolbarte family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 170 words (12 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Tolbarte family

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 Tolbarte or a variant listed above: George Talbot settled in Trinity, Newfoundland, in 1675; John Talbot settled in St. Pierre, Newfoundland in 1714; Christopher Talbot settled in New England in 1663.



The Tolbarte 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: Prest d'accomplir
Motto Translation: Ready to accomplish.


  1. Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
  2. Shirley, Evelyn Philip, The Noble and Gentle Men of England; The Arms and Descents. Westminster: John Bower Nichols and Sons, 1866, Print.
  3. The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
  4. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  5. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  6. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  7. Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.


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