Viller History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe name Viller reached England in the great wave of migration following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Viller family lived in Villiers, Normandy, the family's place of residence prior to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. "The family are said to have come into England with the Conqueror, which is probable. There are at present six places in Normandy so called, besides a larger number called Villers, one of the numerous ways in which the surname is spelled. The Earl of Jersey's family trace to Alexander de Villiers, lord of Brokesby, co. Lancaster, early in the XIII, century. Sir Richard de Villars was a Crusader under Edward I., and hence the cross and escallop shells in the coat-armour of his descendants." 1 The existing family of Villiers "claim to belong to the race of Villiers in Normandy, from which sprang Pierre de Villiers, Grand Master in the reign of Charles VI., and Jacques de Villiers, Provost of Paris and Mareschal of France in the same period." 2 Early Origins of the Viller familyThe surname Viller was first found in Leicestershire where they held a family seat as Lords of the manor of Rokesby from the time of the Norman Conquest of England by Duke William in 1066 A.D. Galderfridus de Villers of St. Evroult, accompanied Duke William into England with his son, Pagan de Villiers, who obtained the barony of Warrington in Lancashire and was also Lord of Crosby in that same shire. Interestingly, "the present coat of arms is said to have been assumed in the reign of Edward I., as a badge of Sir Richard de Villars' services in the crusades." 3 The previous shield was "Sable, three cinquefoils argent." "Michael de Valers was summoned from Gloucester in 1300, for military service in Scotland." 2 Early History of the Viller familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Viller research. Another 130 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1485, 1531, 1532, 1537, 1538, 1539, 1544, 1550, 1574, 1591, 1592, 1606, 1620, 1621, 1625, 1626, 1628, 1654, 1656, 1657, 1682, 1687, 1689, 1693, 1711, 1721 and 1907 are included under the topic Early Viller History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Viller Spelling VariationsBefore English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, Norman French and other languages became incorporated into English throughout the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Viller include Villers, Villiers, Villieres, Vilers, Viliers, Vilieres, Villars, Villere, Viller, Villier, Villiere, Viler, Vilier, Viliere, Villar, Villere, Devillieres and many more. Early Notables of the Viller familyOutstanding amongst the family at this time was
Migration of the Viller family to IrelandSome of the Viller family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
In England at this time, the uncertainty of the political and religious environment of the time caused many families to board ships for distant British colonies in the hopes of finding land and opportunity, and escaping persecution. The voyages were expensive, crowded, and difficult, though, and many arrived in North America sick, starved, and destitute. Those who did make it, however, were greeted with greater opportunities and freedoms that they could have experienced at home. Many of those families went on to make important contributions to the young nations in which they settled. Early immigration records have shown some of the first Villers to arrive on North American shores: Viller Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Viller Settlers in United States in the 19th 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: Fidei coticula crux Motto Translation: The cross is the test of truth.
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