Whilberfosse History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

When the ancestors of the Whilberfosse family emigrated to England following the Norman Conquest in 1066 they brought their family name with them. They lived in Yorkshire, at Wilberfosse.

Early Origins of the Whilberfosse family

The surname Whilberfosse 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 Whilberfosse family

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

Whilberfosse Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason, spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Whilberfosse has been recorded under many different variations, including Wilberforce, Wilberfoss, Wilberfosse and many more.

Early Notables of the Whilberfosse family

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

Migration of the Whilberfosse family

To escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Whilberfosses were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: William Wilberforce settled in Virginia in 1730.

The Whilberfosse 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.