Vylliars is a name that was carried to
England in the great wave of migration from
Normandy following the
Norman Conquest of 1066. The Vylliars family lived in
Leicestershire. Their name, however, is a reference to
Villiers, Normandy, the family's place of residence prior to the
Norman Conquest of
England in 1066.
Early Origins of the Vylliars family
The surname Vylliars 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."
[1]CITATION[CLOSE]
Shirley, Evelyn Philip, The Noble and Gentle Men of England; The Arms and Descents. Westminster: John Bower Nichols and Sons, 1866, Print. The previous shield was "Sable, three cinquefoils argent."
Early History of the Vylliars family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Vylliars research.
Another 259 words (18 lines of text) covering the years 1485, 1544, 1531, 1532, 1537, 1538, 1539, 1550, 1606, 1574, 1626, 1621, 1625, 1620, 1689, 1656, 1711, 1591, 1657, 1592, 1628, 1628, 1687, 1682, 1721, 1654, 1693 and 1907 are included under the topic Early Vylliars History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Vylliars Spelling Variations
Before 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 Vylliars 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 Vylliars family (pre 1700)
Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Sir John Villers of Brooksby; and his son, Sir John Villers (1485-1544), of Brooksby Hall,
Leicestershire, an English politician,
High Sheriff of
Warwickshire and
Leicestershire for 1531-1532 and 1537-1538, Member of the Parliament for
Leicestershire in 1539; Sir George Villiers, of Brokesby (1550-1606)...
Another 97 words (7 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Vylliars Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Vylliars family to Ireland
Some of the Vylliars family moved to
Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 197 words (14 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 Vylliars family to the New World and Oceana
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 Vylliarss to arrive on North American shores: A. Villiers who settled in New Orleans La. in 1822; another A. Villiers settled in New York state in 1823; M. C. Villiers settled in New Orleans La. in 1823.
The Vylliars 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: Fidei coticula crux
Motto Translation: The cross is the test of truth.