Early Origins of the Wyttingdon family
The surname Wyttingdon was first found in
Derbyshire at Whittington, a parish, in the union of Chesterfield,
hundred of Scarsdale. There are others locals of the same name found in
Gloucestershire,
Lancashire,
Northumberland,
Shropshire,
Staffordshire,
Warwickshire and
Worcestershire.
To confuse the reader more, we draw your attention to the following quote under the township of Whittingham: "Warin de Whitington, who lived in the reign of John, held lands in the township, and his descendants held the manor in the reign of Edward II. The family long continued connected with the place; and a Richard Whittingham, who had two sons and a daughter, was living in the middle of the last century. [1700s]"
Richard Whittington (c. 1354-1423), the medieval merchant and politician who was the inspiration for the folk tale "Dick Whittington and His Cat" was from Gloucestershire, but his family claim descent from Staffordshire. He was in fact, Lord Mayor of London four times.
The Whittington Stone on Highgate Hill in front of Whittington Hospital has a statue in honour of Whittington's legendary cat.
Early History of the Wyttingdon family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Wyttingdon research.
Another 203 words (14 lines of text) covering the years 1320, 1480, 1553, 1354, 1423, 1397, 1406 and 1419 are included under the topic Early Wyttingdon History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Wyttingdon Spelling Variations
Spelling variations of this family name include: Whitington, Whittington, Whyttington and others.
Early Notables of the Wyttingdon family (pre 1700)
Distinguished members of the family include Robert Whittington (Wittinton)
(c. 1480-c. 1553), an English grammarian; and Sir Richard Whittington
(c. 1354-1423), the famous "Dick Whittington," was Lord Mayor of London in...
Another 30 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Wyttingdon Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Wyttingdon family to Ireland
Some of the Wyttingdon family moved to
Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 78 words (6 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 Wyttingdon family to the New World and Oceana
Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Stephen Whittington who settled in St. Christopher in 1633; Thomas and Mary Whittington settled in Virginia in 1653; Thomas Whittington settled in Maryland in 1774..
The Wyttingdon 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: Sapere aude
Motto Translation: Dare to be wise.