Whilberforce History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The name Whilberforce was brought to England in the wave of migration that followed the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Whilberforce family lived in Yorkshire, at Wilberfosse.

Early Origins of the Whilberforce family

The surname Whilberforce was first found in Yorkshire where they were Lords of the manor of Wilberforce, and descended from Phillip of Kyme, Lord of Wilberfosse. The parish of Wilberfoss(e) in the East Riding of Yorkshire was home to the family. "This place, from the time of the Conquest, was the property of the Wilberforce family, from which was descended the late William Wilberforce, the distinguished philanthropist; but the ancient family mansion and the estates were sold in 1710, and the lands are now divided among several proprietors, of whom Col. Wyndham is lord of the manor." 1

Early History of the Whilberforce family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Whilberforce research. Another 109 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1797 and 1833 are included under the topic Early Whilberforce History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Whilberforce Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence in the eras before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate regularly changed the spellings of their names as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Whilberforce have been found, including Wilberforce, Wilberfoss, Wilberfosse and many more.

Early Notables of the Whilberforce family

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

Migration of the Whilberforce family

For many English families, the social climate in England was oppressive and lacked opportunity for change. For such families, the shores of Ireland, Australia, and the New World beckoned. They left their homeland at great expense in ships that were overcrowded and full of disease. Many arrived after the long voyage sick, starving, and without a penny. But even those were greeted with greater opportunity than they could have experienced back home. Numerous English settlers who arrived in the United States and Canada at this time went on to make important contributions to the developing cultures of those countries. Many of those families went on to make significant contributions to the rapidly developing colonies in which they settled. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name Whilberforce were among those contributors: William Wilberforce settled in Virginia in 1730.

The Whilberforce 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: Nos non nobis
Motto Translation: We not for ourselves.

Citations +

Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.