The ancestry of the name Bradforthy dates from the ancient Anglo-Saxon
culture of Britain. It comes from when the family lived in or near one of the many places called Bradford
, which were found in Wiltshire
, and the West Riding of Yorkshire
. The surname Bradforthy literally means broad ford.
Early Origins of the Bradforthy family
The surname Bradforthy was first found in Yorkshire
where they held a family seat
from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest
and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.
Early History of the Bradforthy family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bradforthy research.Another 205 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1206, 1590, 1657, 1624 and 1703 are included under the topic Early Bradforthy History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Bradforthy Spelling Variations
in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred
years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Bradforthy have been found, including Bradford, Bradeford, Braidford, Bradforde and others.
Early Notables of the Bradforthy family (pre 1700)
Another 50 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Bradforthy Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Bradforthy family to Ireland
Some of the Bradforthy family moved to Ireland
, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland
is included in all our PDF Extended History products
and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Bradforthy family to the New World and Oceana
Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England
. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England
, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America bore the name Bradforthy, or a variant listed above: William Bradford of Yorkshire
who arrived at Plymouth in 1621, aboard the Mayflower and, on the death of John Carver in 1621, was chosen leader of the Pilgrims, 2nd Governor of the Plymouth colony. His wife Dorothy died at sea, en-route to the Colony. Other settlers include: Henery Bradford, who came to Virginia in 1625.
The Bradforthy 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: Fier et sage
Motto Translation: Proud and Wise.