morffewname

Peter Morffew

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IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction

I have been asked numerous times over the years about the origin of my name, a question I found difficult to answer. I have always quoted the surname dictionaries” Morffew arrived in England with the Norman invasion but was used as a term of abuse by the Crusader Knights for the Saracens and Muslims. When I was in the army I was asked if Morffew had any connection with Morphou Gate in Cyprus, something that always seemed too coincidental. I started to look at the possible origin of my name, as well as the other variants like Morphew, Morfew, etc mainly to curb my curiosity and to understand where it might have originated from. The information that I have found so far deserves sharing so other Morffew’s might know the source of their name. My search for the origin of Morffew and the other variants has included Anglo Saxon England, the Normans before and after 1066, the Crusades and The Kingdom of Cyprus. I would like to thank Peter Edbury of Cardif University for his help and Zoe Heukels-Morffew and Nils Visser for the work they have done so far on the Morffew history in their “Preliminaiary Findings Morffew Family History”. All comments are welcome and can be sent to [email protected] Peter Morffew July 2010

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History of the timesHistory of the timesHistory of the timesHistory of the times The historical events that have affected the generations of Morffews, and others was considerable. Prior to 1066 the tribes in Britain were under constant pressure from invaders such as the Saxons, Angles and Vikings ( Danes ) to name a few. After the invasion of England in 1066 some of the barons rebelled and had their land forfeited. Henry I promoted those of humbler origin to higher office and some Norman knights fell out of favour. In the Middle Ages the Black Death killed some 40% of the European population, there was the 100 years war between France and England and in England there was the Wars of the Roses. Not forgetting the Crusades which was the largest migration in the Middle Ages from Europe to the Holy Land involving about 1,000,000 people. Large numbers took up the cross and set off for the Holy Land to undertake their vows. A Crusade not only involved the knights and the men at arms but the camp followers, family, fortune seekers and robbers. Crusaders settled in the Holy Land, Portugal, Spain and in the Kingdom of Cyprus. The Crusades were not just confined to the Holy Land. There were Crusades to Spain and Portugal to fight the Moors which involved a number from England enroute to the Holy Land. Also there was the Crusades in Northern Europe. The pagan tribes in Lithuania and Latvia faced the Crusaders from all over Europe which became a annual pilgrimage. Those that embarked on the Crusade were taking on a great risk. It is estimated that just 25% survived the 3rd Crusade. There were wars in Italy and the Mongols invaded from the East as far as Vienna and Poland. Various military orders such as the Knights Templars, Knights Hospitalers were formed where individuals served across Europe and the Holy Land. There were famines across Europe in 1272, 1277, 1283, 1292 and 1311. Also there was a European wide failed crop and large numbers died as a result. Later in 1665 there was the great plague which again killed large numbers, especially in London.

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With all of this activity impacting on the European population no wonder it is hard to find where individuals might have originated from . Especially when individuals and families died enroute to the Holy Land or from the Black Death and buried in mass graves without any record. There were opportunities for individuals to travel in the Middle Ages with such a melting pot of accents and languages names could be mispronounced and mispelt hence the possible different ways to spell Morffew, Morfou, Morfewe, etc.

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About the Morffew nameAbout the Morffew nameAbout the Morffew nameAbout the Morffew name

The quote below is a general description for the Morffew name. “Recorded in many forms although all are quite rare, and including Maffie, Maffey, Maffy, Morfey, Morphey, Morffew, Morphew, Murphew. It is believed to originate from the pre 7th century word 'malfe' meaning ill-omened, and used as a term of abuse applied to the devil or an enemy of some sort. It is said to have been given by the famous Crusader knights of the 12th century to the Saracens or Muslims in the Holy Land. However the surname already existed at that time, original name holders having accompanied William, Duke of Normandy in his Conquest of England in 1066” Other references in the Dictionary of Archaic and Provincial words dated 1559 ”Morphew… A Leprous erution on the face A morpheu or statnying of the skynne” Quote 1450 Agnus Castus 125/111 “with pat anoynteth cloth rubbe be Morfu and be place per be zowthis…and be morfu andbe skurfe schall falle awaey. Records in England are post the Norman invasion and most are post the First Crusade such as “Wido Malfeth” in 1130. The Modern day Morffew seems to have transformed from earlier spellings prior to the 1500s Morffew is peculiar to England and of those who migrated from England to the USA, Canada and Australia. The 1911 census shows the PH version more prominent out of the various forms of spelling the name ( 450 ), in the 1911 census there are less than 500 people with the name Morffew, Morfew and Morphew. This is out of a population of 36 Million. In the 1911 census there are no returns for the Morfew spelling. The census of 1841 shows Morffew, Morphew and Morfews mainly in London and the surrounding counties. The 1911 census shows that some Morphews had migrated to the Midlands and North of England but the Morffews has stayed in the London area The different forms of spelling might have come about because Britain was involved in several wars in the 1700s.*1 and the individual was on military service in Europe. In the 1700s Latin was still used by the Armies of Europe so that Officers of different nationalities could communicate. Most rank soldiers were illiterate and could not spell their own name. Further name changes might have happened during the Napoleonic Wars when large numbers of British troops served in Spain and France.

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Today in Europe the name Morfu is found in Spain, Italy, Portugal and France. This would indicate that the ‘F’ rather than the ‘PH’ is the original way to spell the name. That is if there is any connection with the French, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian and English similar sounding names. Also there is the Greek name Morfi also found in the US as well as Greece. All of these names sound similar to the town name, Morphou in Cyprus. There is a discrepancy whether Morphou should be spelt with a PH or a F. After the 1600s a lot of Europeans migrated to the New World and today Morffews and those with similar sounding names can be found in America’s and Australia. Looking for references to those with the name Morffew and any variants and individuals turn up such as the Frenchman , Charles Morfu in 1618 travelled with the Italian satirist and Canon who had written some poems about the Pope and his family. Charles Morfu revealed the indentity of the Canon to would be robbers who kidnapped him and he was taken to the Papal Palace at Avignon. Today Morffew has been misspelt in numerous ways and there is no reason why this should not have been different in previous centuries when the population was not so literate. We must not forget the name might have an American spelling connotation where it was misspelt when the person migrated in previous centuries or acquired an American slant. Some surname dictionaries refer to the Morphue or Morpheas. This is a rare skin condition commonly known to day as Localised Scleroderma. Morphorea or Morphea is a red or purple blemish or patch that affects 1 in 1,000 people. There are treaties on how to detect the difference between Bubonic Plague, Leprosy and Morphorea. For those with Morphorea instead of Leprosy or Bubonic Plague might have been referred to as Morfues. Morphue was used as a insulting term for Saracens and Muslims which indicates a connection with the Crusades. The abusive term might have been used for Mercenaries serving in foreign armies and in the Levant such as the English Free Company based in Pisa In 1318 Philip V of France considered the Flemish who were French enemies to be as bad as the Saracens so the Christians could be held in contempt similarly as the Saracens.

1*The Wars of Spanish Succession in 1700 The War of Austrian Succession 1740, The 1st and 2nd Silesian War 740-45, The Seven Years War 1756 – 63 the first world war, The American War of Independence and the French Revolutionary Wars in 1795

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Anglo Saxon EnglandAnglo Saxon EnglandAnglo Saxon EnglandAnglo Saxon England

Looking at England prior to the Norman invasion there was the Kingdom of Hwicce which covered the area of Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Gloustershire. The Kingdom of Hwicce came under the rule of Aethelbald, king of the Mercians and the South Angli. Aethelbald ruled over a large area that stretched from Staffordshire down to Oxfordshire and parts of Kent and possibly Essex. Aethelbald is also refered to as the King of London. In the Kingdom of Hwicce was the Morfe Forest, also referred to the Great Morfe Forest. There is reference to this forest in a charter from Aethelbald to Cyneberht for 10 hides at Ismere by the river Stour and Land at Brochyl in Morfe Forest for the construction of a minster. This minster has been thought of as the beginnings of Kidderminster. Even though Morfe Forest does not exist today there is Morfe Lane and off this lane is Morfe House Farm and Little Morfe. Leading from Morfe Lane is Morfe Hall Lane which leads to Morfe Hall Farm. These are on ordinance survey maps and can be seen on Google Earth. Also close by is a Essex Wood In the area of Morfe Lane and what was Morfe Forest are burial mounds that show a considerable settlement of people. These people who lived in Morfe Forest might have been referred to as Morfes or those who are from Morfe. Aethelbald actively protected his realm and fought in Wessex as well. Being a king of such a large area the people of Morfe might have travelled with him and also fought with him. Aethelbald travelled around his realm to collect taxes and to over see justice. This would explain the demographic distribution of Morffews from Shropshire down to Kent. The Wolverhampton archives and local studies 1851 census street index shows that there was a place called Morfe, Morfe Farm, Morfe Hall, Morfe Heath House and Morfe lane. Even though Morfe Forest had been cleared by 1851 the name Morfe showed how prominent this area must have been. The Google image shows just a few buildings today and this might have been the result of the industrial revolution when people left the country side to work in the towns and cities.

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Morfa in modern Welsh means marsh. This is spelt Morfeydd and would suggest the name dates back to the Britons and Celts prior to any Anglo Saxon invasion. The Briton Celts in this area were displaced by the Anglo Saxons and fled to Wales and Cornwall. Later some of these Briton Celts migrated to North West France ( Breton) and North West Spain ( Gallaecia ) . Looking at the census from the late 19th century there is not a nucleus of Morffew’s, Morphews or morfew’s in the area of Morfe Forest.

Ordinance Survey map of Morfe lane and farmsOrdinance Survey map of Morfe lane and farmsOrdinance Survey map of Morfe lane and farmsOrdinance Survey map of Morfe lane and farms

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Drawn map of Morfe Forest and the Drawn map of Morfe Forest and the Drawn map of Morfe Forest and the Drawn map of Morfe Forest and the surroundinsurroundinsurroundinsurrounding villages dates circ 1500g villages dates circ 1500g villages dates circ 1500g villages dates circ 1500

Note the French way of writing Morfe Forest

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Map of the Great Forests and Chases in ShropshireMap of the Great Forests and Chases in ShropshireMap of the Great Forests and Chases in ShropshireMap of the Great Forests and Chases in Shropshire

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Europe Europe Europe Europe Pre 1066Pre 1066Pre 1066Pre 1066

Prior to the Norman invasion of 1066 the opportunity for European Christians to come into contact with Muslims was relatively easy. Muslim invaders ( Moors ) had crossed over to the Iberian Peninsula ( Spain ) and establish a Mulsim state in 600 AD. The Moors carried out sorties over the Pyrenees into France. These became so bold that they managed to push the Franks ( French ) as far back as Poitiers into a small enclave. The Franks in a concerted effort pushed the Moors out of France and establish a Christian strip on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees. The Christians and Moors fought to maintain their states. Many Christian soldiers and Knights joined the reconquista, a lot of these Knights were Normans trying to carve out their own state from the wars. At the same time Western Knights volunteered to serve in the Byzantine Imperial Army as mercenaries. Again a lot of these Knights were Normans, as well as Franks and other nationalities. These western mercenaries fought Muslims, Turks and other invading tribes. Whilst in the service of the Byzantine Empire some of the western knights learnt Greek and a few managed to learn Arabic. Normans who had fought in Italy as mercenaries invaded Sicily, a Muslim state Christian Knights in Europe also fought pagans and infidels such as Vikings, Goths, Saxons, Livs and other European tribes. The phrase pagans and infidels became a general term used for all enemies of Christianity at the time and this might have included those who were to be considered the enemy at that time regardless of their religion. The opportunity for Morfue to become a derogatory name prior to the 1066 invasion was quite considerable but with so many enemies referred to as pagans or infidels there should be more people with the name Morffew and its variants across Europe rather than a few concentrated in England and a few other countries in Europe.

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The Norman invasion 1066The Norman invasion 1066The Norman invasion 1066The Norman invasion 1066

It is considered that the Morffew name in England originates from the Norman invasion. Morffew is a French sounding name and it first appears when a knight Mengle et Maufe is referred to in the Roll at Battel Abbey. But this name cannot be found on the plaque in the church in Dives-sur-Mer in Normandy where Williams invading army took mass before sailing for England. William the Conqueror’s invasion of England was not just a Norman affair. William recruited his invading army from Northern Europe and it included Flemish, Breton and Picardy soldiers and knights. As well as a few Germans and Danes. A third of Williams invading army was from Breton who spoke a different language and still do today. The various nations in Northern Europe and also the Normans across Europe knew of the invasion and band’s of soldiers and individuals thronged to Williams cause in a hope of land and fortune. The Normans in Italy are of particular interest. These were landless Normans who travelled south in search of their fortune in 1017. They hired themselves out as Mercenaries in Italy, in particular to the Neapolitans who had occasional conflicts with neighbouring states and also the Muslims in Sicily. Norman knights even fought against the Papal State and were also hired by the Pope and given land in reward. The Normans fought for Naples and were given land in payment for their services. When the Normans turned their attention to Sicily in 1060, a Muslim state they had to rely on the Neapolitans to build the boats to get across to Sicily. Normans also fought in Spain against the Moors and abusive term Morfue could have been in general use by 1066. The Normans would not have been able to build the alleged 3000 boats for the invasion of England themselves and must have had help from other skilled boat builders from across Europe. Having built these boats their skills might have been used to construct the forts erected almost over night across the south of England to establish their hold on the English population. William had the boats holed to prevent any desertion William imposed his rule with a scorched earth policy from the first day he landed and as he advanced on London his army burnt crops, destroyed villages and killed the inhabitants. Those that survived must have fled to the forests.

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Looking at Norman, Flemish, Picardy and Breton names none seem to sound similar to Morffew. Normans tended to adapt their name to the area they controlled, ruled or lived in. The Normans would have changed their names once they arrived in England making it difficult to trace any relation they might have had in Normandy or any where else in Europe. When looking at names sounding similar to their trades or craft the only one could be similar is the fort builders. The Norman forts were build on a mound which had to be constructed. These mounds were called Motte which the word moat is derived from this. The people who designed Motte might have been named after their trade and a modern name similar to Motte is Mowat. After the Normans invaded the Domesday Book was compiled, a list of the land in England and people who owned it. The Domesday book does not seem to list any name similar to Morffew but there is a Ansculf de Pencheny ( Ausculph of Picquisgny ), a Picardy adventurer who was granted lordships in various counties*2. One of note is Staffordshire where there is a Morfe House Farm, Morfe Hall farm and Little Morfe all off Morfe lane. Also close by was the Morfe Forest. This Forest had become mooreland by 1700 Morfe Forest became a Medieval Royal Forest in East Shropshire. At its core was a wood that stretched from Bridgnorth to Six Ashes ( Near Enville ) and Claverley. The forest was preambled in 1300 and the boundary recorded. Once William had invaded England the Bretons settled in East Anglia, Suffolk, Northumbria( Richmond) and the west country ( Devon, Cornwall, Wessex ). Two of these regions ( East Anglia and Suffolk ) had a concentration of Morffews in the 1841 census. In 1076 Bretons in East Anglia rebelled against Williams rule and they forfeited their land and some were executed. Their land was redistributed to those more faithful It could be possible these knights were taken off the rolls at Battel Abbey. One thing all of these invaders from Northern Europe had in common was they spoke French, or would have had to speak French to understand the commands given. Taking control of England the Normans dictated that French would be the lingua franca of the courts and administration. French stayed in use for a number of centuries in England, even Henry 1st and Richard 1st spoke French and was related to French nobility in the Holy Land.

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Because French was used by the nobility it can be assumed that French generic terms were used such as when using abusive language as well as place names taking on a French sound. *2 Warwickshire, Berkshire, Middlesex, Oxfordshire, Huntingdonshire, Cambridgeshire, Surrey, Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire, Staffordshire and Worcestershire.

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CrusadeCrusadeCrusadeCrusades s s s

First Crusade1095First Crusade1095First Crusade1095First Crusade1095

Just 29 years after Williams invasion of England the First Crusade set off for the Levant Some of the Crusaders in 1095 were sons of the Normans who came across in 1066. One such crusader was the son of Geoffrey I Boterel, Conan who was killed in 1098. The first Crusade records a Morphoria of Melitene . Morphoria of Melitene was a Armenian Princess who married Baldwin II and became Queen of Jerusalem. Baldwin II title was King off Jerusalem but with the Saracens occupying Jerusalem he could not exercise his authority over the city. The First Crusades comprised of Franks ( French ), Germans and Spanish troops and a few English, this was a French lead expedition and French became the language for the Crusades. The Crusaders arrived in Constantinople and their first mission was to relieve Edessa which they did with ease. Then they took Jerusalem. Prior to this a group of 9 French Knights met with Baldwin II to offer their services to escort pilgrims around the Levant ( Holy Land ). Baldwin II gave his blessing as did the Pope. Born were the Knights Templars. Knights Templars were recruited from all over Europe over the next few years. The 9 Knights took up residency in Jerusalem in the Temple of the Mount. Close by Morphoria of Melitene took up residency. After taking Jerusalem Crusaders settled in the Levant ( Holy Land ) establishing Christian rule in Palestine. Crusaders and Christians lived cheek by jowl with the Muslims and other indigenous groups in the Levant. The Crusaders adopted some of the local customs and dress and they could have been termed as going native. The Crusaders built towns and castles and established new communities. The Crusaders even intermarried into local indigenous communities. The intermarried off spring might have had a more Arab or Mediterranean skin tone which attracted the abusive phrase “ Morphue “ which became a Crusader racist phrase.

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There is a reference to a “Wido Malpeth in 1130 who it is alleged was married to “Tower Malpeth “ who had some connection with the Tower of London. The stone for the Tower of London was transported from France. Being connected with such a prominent land mark Tower Malfeth might have been asked to travel on the First Crusade to help build new or improve castles in the Holy Land. Wido Malpeth might have been mentioned as a person of some standing, i.e. owning land because she would possibly have inherited the land left by her husband if he died on the Crusades.

Second Crusade 1147Second Crusade 1147Second Crusade 1147Second Crusade 1147 On the Second Crusade, One of the largest armies assembled at any time in Europe was divided into three units. The French and German columns marched across Europe into Byzantium. The third unit, a naval one set out from English ports which comprised of Flemish, Bretons and English ships and troops. The English force was large and some had experience of fighting in the Iberian Peninsula. These English Crusaders came from East Anglia, Kent, London and Cornwall. On route to the Holy Land this naval force stopped to capture Lisbon in Portugal. The siege lasted from May to October with the Crusaders prevailing. Some of the English contingent settled in Lisbon. After this English were actively encouraged to settle in Portugal by Alfonso 1 and large numbers of English migrated to Portugal to help fight the Moors. After Lisbon the naval force sailed to Catalonia and capture Tortosa and again some of the English Crusaders settled here and became wealthy. There is a interesting correlation between the counties the English soldiers and Sailors came from and the geographic distribution of Morffews, Morfews and Morphews in England. The 1841 census shows the same counties where soldiers and sailors embarked on the 2nd Crusade also have the name Morffew, Morphew and Morfew.

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Third CrusadeThird CrusadeThird CrusadeThird Crusade 1190 1190 1190 1190 ---- 1191 1191 1191 1191

The Third Crusade saw large numbers of English embark for the Holy Land. Richard 1st had huge funds and hired large numbers of troops from England and in the Holy Land. Richard also had his own fleet which enabled him to invade Cyprus. There does not seem to be any reason why the English might have acquired the name Morffew. As a result of the Third Crusade the Kingdom of Cyprus was established and some English soldiers might have been recruited to serve here rather than return to England.

Fourth CrusadeFourth CrusadeFourth CrusadeFourth Crusade 1203 1203 1203 1203

The fourth Crusade did not have any significant numbers of English. This was mainly a French Crusade which instead of sailing to the Holy Land went straight to Constantinople and laid siege to it. Even though the Pope was angered at this the Fourth Crusade set a trend for future Crusades where large number of Mercenaries were employed.

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TTTThe Kingdom of Cyprushe Kingdom of Cyprushe Kingdom of Cyprushe Kingdom of Cyprus Whilst Googling the name Morphou I came across a Jean De Morphou, 1330 – 1385. He was the richest Baron in the Kingdom of Cyprus. His daughter married Hughue, The King of Jerusalem and Cyprus Jean de Morphou’s full title was Jean de Morpho Count of Edessa and Rochas, Marshall of Cyprus and married to Echiva. The Marshall of Cyprus was responsible for the Kingdom of Cyprus mercenaries in battle. The Morpho Baronage coat of arms was a Black Lion on a yellow back ground, ( Lion Argent shield Or ) Which dates back to the early 1300s. Jean De Morphou is also alleged to have had a affair with Eleanor Queen of Avignon making him possibly very well connected. Jean De Morphou served with distinction in Alexandria on the 1365 Crusade. Jean De Morphou was a chief negotiator for the Cypriots when they rebelled in Cyprus which makes him prominent in the local politics of Cyprus at the time. According to Lenitos Makkarias he was corrupted by the Genoese by a offer to help his son in law Hughue of Lusignan take over the Kingdom of Cyprus. Jean de Morphou did not have any male heirs and so the direct line died with him. Hughe and Marie did not have any children and it seems that the Morphou line died out. Even though counties and cities in the Levant were lost to the Saracens titles referring to these lost Regions were still handed on by the King of Cyprus In recognition of service. Knights and lesser men had titles indicative of their ancestry such as Thomas of Picquigny and James of Fleury were refered to as knights of Acre and Peter Le Jaune was described as a Knight of Tripoli in late 1323. There is no reason why this tradition did not carry on with knights and lesser men adopting titles connected with the Kingdom Cyprus such as Morphou and the nobility in the Kingdom like Jean de Morphou.

Morphou coat of Arms

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The first record of de Morphou is in early 13th century. A Lawrence de Plessy was knighted at Morphou and adopted the title de Morphou as well as his descendants. Lawrence de Plessy was from a English crusading family and includes Hugh and Richard de Plessy. Richard de Plessy was the royal keeper of parks. The de Plessy linage came with William Duke of Normandy in 1066.

* * * * * The Kingdom of Cyprus came about when Richard 1st invaded Cyprus but did not want to the trouble of ruling a country whilst on campaign so he sold Cyprus to the Knights Templar’s. The Templar’s could not control the local population after they revolted against the Templar’s treatment. The Templars gave Cyprus back to Richard and he passed Cyprus onto Guy de Lusignan. Guy de Lusignan was related to Richard who was a Crusader nobleman from the 1st Crusade. Guy invited Franks and Crusaders who left the Levant ( The Holy Land ) after the Saracens invaded to settle in Cyprus. The Franks were given land and owed allegiance to the King of Cyprus. This established the Kingdom of Cyprus as a Crusader nation where Crusaders could rally and set off on future Crusades. Because the Franks ( French) were the nobility in the Kingdom of Cyprus French was the lingua franca of the courts and records. Later Greek and Italian was used for recording of tax where Greek for the indigenous Cypriots, Italian for the Neopolitan, Venetian and Genoan merchants. It was even suggested that all Crusades should be lead by a French nobleman. The population of Cyprus initially was the indigenous Greeks and those who had to leave the mainland as cities and castles fell to the Turks and Saracens. These were mainly French ( Franks ), Italians and Spanish. Over the next century the Cypriot population increased and became very cosmopolitan. The population comprised of Franks ( French ) who were the nobility in the Kingdom of Cyprus. Germans, Italians, Spanish, Portuguese, Syrians, Maronites, Ethiopians, Indians, Georgians, some English, Venetians, Genoese, Burgandians and the indigenous Greeks. Also there were the Knights Templars and Hospitalers. Some of these would have been in the employ and service of Jean De Morphou.

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When future Crusades were launched such as the seventh Crusade under Peter 1 the population increased because of the influx of Mercenaries and Crusaders from all over Europe where Peter 1 had spent three years recruiting. This army comprised of Templars, Hospitalers, English archers, Italian Crossbowmen and French men at arms. As well as Knights from Europe. There was also the New Holy Order of the Sword, a mercenary force specific for the recapture of Jerusalem. When the Turks invaded Armenia, a territory associated with the Kingdom of Cyprus the rich Armenians fled to Cyprus increasing the population further. When we talk about the Crusaders we must not forget the camp followers and also the families. People who settled in the Holy Land and Cyprus would have had children who would not have known any other life. As well as the Military side of Kingdom of Cyprus life the commerce and trade was busy. Cyprus was a major producer and exporter of Sugar and Cotton. These commodities were in great demand across Europe and also for the Crusaders who would stop off in Cyprus for supplies. Sugar helped to make the Kingdom of Cyprus one of the richest countries in the Middle Ages Europe. The sugar was formed into a distinctive hat shape which might have been referred to a Morphou sugar when other regions started to produce more refined sugar. The French Kingdom of Cyprus ended when the Genoans took control and the Frank ( French) land was redistributed. The Genoans would have hired the mercenaries to defend their new territory. The Genoan reign was short lived when the Turks capture Cyprus and all land was lost by the Christians and redistributed to the invading Turks.

Morphou and the Morphou region in Cyprus

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Final thoughtsFinal thoughtsFinal thoughtsFinal thoughts Google the name Morffew, Morfew or Morphew and the search includes UK, America, Australia and Canada. The Name Morfu shows a predominance for Spain and Italy, along with some in France, Portugal and South American Spanish speaking countries. Morfi is found in Greece and the US. All of these names are rare. This begs the question how can so many people from various nations around the world have a similar sounding name as the town of Morphou in Cyprus which was the title of one of the most prominent Barons in the Kingdom of Cyprus on the 1365 Crusade. Cyprus being a centre for Crusades in the Middle Ages where people from all Christian nations flocked. Morffew is a French, Frank sounding name which was the language of the Kingdom of Cyprus whilst the Franks ruled. Looking at the online database for the English who served in the Hundred Years War there is no record of any Morffews or any name that sounds similar. This would possibly indicate the name Morffew and any variant might be post Hundred Years War when English soldiers were hired across Europe in Italy, Burgandy and in the Kingdom of Cyprus especially for the attack on Alexandra in Egypt. The tradition of adopting the name or title of the baron or town within the Kingdom of Cyprus after a successful campaign would have been keenly taken up. If the name Morffew is associated with the term for a blemish which affects 1/1000 there would surely be more Morffews than just the few in the 1841 census.. The name Morffew and those names that sound similar originate from the countries that went on the Crusades and individuals volunteered to fight for the Kingdom of Cyprus especially on the 1365 Crusade. This could be for several reasons. They had a bad reputation, on the 1365 Crusade the troops were more concerned with looting what they could and massacred the Muslims. But as Jean De Morphou served with distinction it could be that the mercenaries he commanded did such good service themselves the Morphou title was used as a compliment. On returning back to Europe the mercenaries adopted this title for themselves out of pride or even given the title when they gave a reference to successful campaigns and service. The 7th Crusade was seen as a success across Europe in the courts and with the Pope. Locally it was a disaster because it affected the trade in Cyprus.

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The alternative reason for the Morphue name is that Morphue being a derogatory term for the Saracens and Muslims. The mercenaries serving in the Kingdom of Cyprus might have had a bad reputation and attracted this term. On returning home to their various countries they would have been tarred with this name and have been called Morfue ever since. In 1363 Urban V addressed an appeal to the free companies of mercenaries in the Midi saying “ members of free companies had the most dreadful need to absolution because they had used their arms against Christians”. The mercenaries, The routiers were hated not simply because of their skill in war, but also for their cruelty and lack of respect for many of the conventions of a Christian society. They were ‘shamelessly guilty of murder and pillage and various abominations’. Many of them were younger sons, some illegitimate, impoverished figures on the fringes of society. They were condemned in the Third Lateran Council of 1179. In Italy the wealthier cities began to stiffen their militia forces with hired professional soldiers. In 1277 Florence was even employing a hundred English troops We must not forget that the Frank Barons in the Kingdom of Cyprus were not happy with the way Peter 1st gave favour to the mercenaries he recruited. This resulted in his assassination. It might be just a term for the English mercenaries serving in the Levant and in the foreign service such a the English free company in Pisa. English mercenaries had gained a reputation in battle partly from the 100 Years War. When England was forced out of France there were thousands of unemployed soldiers especially archers. They were snapped up by the nobility of Spain, Italy and Burgundy to name a few. Notably English Mercenaries serving with Bernado Visconti had spent several years fighting for various factions in Italy. Including for and against the Pope. Some of these English mercenaries would have settled in countries they served in and there ancestors are now called Morfu. There does not seem to be any correlation between the Forest of Morfe and the name Morffew. In the 1800s most Morffews lived in the South especially in the London area. This work is not finished and the search goes on for the possible source of the name Morffew. It seems that maybe by looking at the Crusades and the Kingdom of Cyprus we might have metaphorically come face to face with our ancestors.

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Morffew demographics in England

Looking at the data base on line listing the English who served in the 100 years war there is no name like Morffew. There is a interesting correlation with those who went on the 2nd Crusade and the counties that Morffews, Morfew and Morphews appear in the 1841 census

The English census prior to 1900 shows that Morffew and Morphew in England and Wales is not a common name. The name is not common in the United States either. The census figures below show the numbers returned from the Federal Census of 1830 to 1930. Morphew 1830 = 5, 1850 = 56, 1860 = 91, 1870 = 119, 1880 = 128, 1900 = 331, 1910 = 379, 1920 = 516, 1930 = 598.

Morffew shows three records over this whole period.

The records do not show a mass exodus to America in the 19th century. There is a steady growth in the Morffew, Morfew and Morphew population.

Murphew seems to be a corruption of the Morffew name. It does not appear in England and Wales census records before 1900

Prior to 1900 there are no records for Morffew or Morphew in Australia, Canada or New Zealand.

Looking at the Morfu name in Portugal, Spain, France and Italy there are very few which would indicate again a rare name. It is equally rare in South America with most in Argentina and Brazil. This would indicate a possible later migration in the 20th century rather than in the 19th century.

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A list of Census records showing Morffew, Morphew and Morfew

Morffew in the 1911 Census

Institution,

Household

or Vessel Name Birth Year Age Sex

Registration District County

Household MORFFEW, Clara Ann 1870 41 F Aston Warwickshire

Household MORFFEW, Elizabeth 1874 37 F Richmond Surrey

Household MORFFEW, Emma 1855 56 F Paddington London

Household MORFFEW, Emma 1879 32 F Chelsea London

Household MORFFEW, Emma 1908 3 F Chelsea London

Household MORFFEW, Emma Alice 1859 52 F Reading Berkshire

Household MORFFEW, Frances 1866 45 F St George London

Household MORFFEW, Frederick 1911 0 M Chelsea London

Household MORFFEW, Frederick George 1880 31 M Richmond Surrey

Household MORFFEW, Frederick Robert 1906 5 M Richmond Surrey

Household MORFFEW, George 1856 55 M Paddington London

Household MORFFEW, George 1906 5 M Chelsea London

Household MORFFEW, George 1887 24 M Chelsea London

Household MORFFEW, George Henry 1890 21 M Hackney London

Household MORFFEW, Harriet 1851 60 F Chelsea London

Household MORFFEW, Helen Moore 1874 37 F Fulham London

Household MORFFEW, Henry 1846 65 M Chelsea London

Household MORFFEW, Henry 1902 9 M Chelsea London

Household MORFFEW, Henry J 1877 34 M Chelsea London

Household MORFFEW, Isabella Ann 1849 62 F Edmonton Middlesex

Household MORFFEW, Ivy Mary 1901 10 F Fulham London

Household MORFFEW, James 1860 51 M Aston Warwickshire

Household MORFFEW, James William 1888 23 M Aston Warwickshire

Household MORFFEW, Jane 1854 57 F Kingston Surrey

Household MORFFEW, Kathleen 1886 25 F Paddington London

Household MORFFEW, Kim Alice Louisa 1911 0 F Chelsea London

Household MORFFEW, Lilian 1882 29 F Paddington London

Household MORFFEW, Nellie 1889 22 F Chelsea London

Household MORFFEW, Robert 1856 55 M Kingston Surrey

Household MORFFEW, Robert Samuel 1881 30 M Kingston Surrey

Household MORFFEW, Rose 1893 18 F Kingston Surrey

Household MORFFEW, Rose 1889 22 F Brentford Middlesex

Household MORFFEW, Thomas 1878 33 M Fulham London

Household MORFFEW, Vilalet 1885 26 F Kingston Surrey

Household MORFFEW, Walter William 1885 26 M Paddington London

Household MORFFEW, William Keats 1899 12 M Edmonton Middlesex

Household MORFFEW, Willie 1895 16 M Kingston Surrey

Household MORFFEW, Winnifeed Phoebe 1902 9 F Fulham London

25

Morffew in 1871 census

Institution,

Household

or Vessel Name Birth Year Age Sex

Registration District County

Household MORFFEW, Alice 1857 14 F Chelsea London, Middlesex

Household MORFFEW, Ann 1825 46 F Chelsea London, Middlesex

Household MORFFEW, Annie 1853 18 F Chelsea London, Middlesex

Household MORFFEW, Eliza 1868 3 F Chelsea London, Middlesex

Household MORFFEW, Elizabeth 1850 21 F Reading Berkshire

Household MORFFEW, Emily 1860 11 F Chelsea London, Middlesex

Household MORFFEW, Emma A 1859 12 F Reading Berkshire

Household MORFFEW, Fanny E 1866 5 F Reading Berkshire

Household MORFFEW, George 1856 15 M Reading Berkshire

Household MORFFEW, Henry 1821 50 M Chelsea London,

Middlesex

Household MORFFEW, Henry 1846 25 M Chelsea London, Middlesex

Household MORFFEW, Henry W 1854 17 M Reading Berkshire

Household MORFFEW, Louisa M 1862 9 F Reading Berkshire

Household MORFFEW, Mary A 1822 49 F Reading Berkshire

Household MORFFEW, Mary Ann 1859 12 F Chelsea London, Middlesex

Household MORFFEW, Sarah 1862 9 F Chelsea London, Middlesex

Household MORFFEW, William J 1820 51 M Reading Berkshire

1

Institution,

Household

or Vessel Name Birth Year Age Sex

Registration District County

Household MORFFEW, Anna M 1850 1 F Westminster Middlesex

Household MORFFEW, Elizabeth 1798 53 F Westminster Middlesex

Household MORFFEW, Elizabeth 1850 1 F Saint

George in the East

Middlesex

Household MORFFEW, Emma 1846 5 F Westminster Middlesex

Household MORFFEW, Henry 1794 57 M Kingston Surrey

Household MORFFEW, Jane 1843 8 F Westminster Middlesex

Household MORFFEW, Maria 1835 16 F Westminster Middlesex

Household MORFFEW, Mary Ann 1824 27 F Saint

George in the East

Middlesex

Household MORFFEW, Robert 1833 18 M Kingston Surrey

Household MORFFEW, Sarah 1797 54 F Kingston Surrey

Household MORFFEW, Thomas 1794 57 M Westminster Middlesex

Household MORFFEW, William 1820 31 M Saint

George in Middlesex

26

Morffew in 1841 census

Institution,

Household

or Vessel Name Birth Year Age Sex

Registration District County

Household MORFFEW, Elizabeth 1796 45 F Holborn Middlesex

Household MORFFEW, George 1826 15 M Holborn Middlesex

Household MORFFEW, Hannah 1826 15 F Holborn Middlesex

Household MORFFEW, Harriett 1826 15 F Kingston Surrey

Household MORFFEW, Henry 1796 45 M Kingston Surrey

Household MORFFEW, Henry 1821 20 M Kingston Surrey

Household MORFFEW, James 1828 13 M Holborn Middlesex

Household MORFFEW, Robert 1834 7 M Kingston Surrey

Household MORFFEW, Sarah 1796 45 F Kingston Surrey

Household MORFFEW, William 1791 50 M Holborn Middlesex

Household MORFFEW, William 1821 20 M Holborn Middlesex 1911 Census shows a record of 450 Morphews spread across the UK. Morphews in 1911 are predominant in and around London but some are in the Midland and North of England.

27

Morphew in 1841 Census

Institution,

Household

or Vessel Name Birth Year Age Sex

Registration District County

Household MORPHEW, Adelaide 1833 8 F Ipswich Suffolk

Household MORPHEW, Ann 1776 65 F Reigate Surrey

Household MORPHEW, Ann 1829 12 F Gravesend &

Milton Kent

Household MORPHEW, Ann 1801 40 F Malling Kent

Household MORPHEW, Ann 1834 7 F Malling Kent

Household MORPHEW, Ann 1824 17 F Maidstone Kent

Household MORPHEW, Ann 1796 45 F Dover Kent

Household MORPHEW, Annette 1838 3 F Wisbech Norfolk

Household MORPHEW, Augusta 1837 4 F Malling Kent

Household MORPHEW, Augustus 1834 7 M Maidstone Kent

Household MORPHEW, Caroline 1821 20 F Falmouth Union

Cornwall

Household MORPHEW, Catherine 1791 50 F Falmouth Union

Cornwall

Household MORPHEW, Catherine 1840 1 F Droxford Hampshire

Household MORPHEW, Charles 1828 13 M Ipswich Suffolk

Household MORPHEW, Charles 1840 1 M Sevenoaks Kent

Household MORPHEW, Charlotte 1806 35 F Stepney Middlesex

Household MORPHEW, David 1806 35 M Droxford Hampshire

Household MORPHEW, Edward 1772 69 M Epsom Surrey

Household MORPHEW, Edward 1806 35 M Whitechapel Middlesex

Household MORPHEW, Edward 1826 15 M Malling Kent

Household MORPHEW, Edward 1801 40 M Malling Kent

Household MORPHEW, Edwin 1834 7 M Maidstone Kent

Household MORPHEW, Eleanor 1832 9 F Malling Kent

Household MORPHEW, Eliza 1826 15 F Ipswich Suffolk

Household MORPHEW, Eliza 1814 27 F Epsom Surrey

Household MORPHEW, Eliza 1835 6 F Lewes Chailey West Firle & Newhaven

Sussex

Household MORPHEW, Elizabeth 1801 40 F Bosmere & Claydon

Suffolk

Household MORPHEW, Elizabeth 1811 30 F Ipswich Suffolk

Household MORPHEW, Elizabeth 1836 5 F Ipswich Suffolk

Household MORPHEW, Elizabeth 1828 13 F Stepney Middlesex

Household MORPHEW, Elizabeth 1801 40 F Ashford, East Kent

Household MORPHEW, Elizabeth 1826 15 F Sevenoaks Kent

Household MORPHEW, Elizabeth 1811 30 F Grinstead,

East Sussex

Household MORPHEW, Elizabeth 1832 9 F Grinstead,

East Sussex

Household MORPHEW, Elizabeth 1838 3 F Brighton Sussex

Household MORPHEW, Emma 1816 25 F Bosmere & Claydon

Suffolk

Household MORPHEW, Fanny 1811 30 F Epping Essex

Household MORPHEW, Frances 1830 11 F Stepney Middlesex

Household MORPHEW, Francis* 1816 25 M Derby, West Lancashire

Household MORPHEW, Frederic 1830 11 M Lewes Chailey West Firle &

Sussex

28

Newhaven

Household MORPHEW, Frederick 1837 4 M Grinstead,

East Sussex

Household MORPHEW, Geo 1816 25 M Grinstead,

East Sussex

Household MORPHEW, George 1801 40 M St George

Hanover Square

Middlesex

Household MORPHEW, George 1810 31 M Grinstead,

East Sussex

Household MORPHEW, George 1833 8 M Grinstead,

East Sussex

Household MORPHEW, George 1829 12 M Grinstead,

East Sussex

Household MORPHEW, George 1838 3 M Lewes Chailey West Firle & Newhaven

Sussex

Household MORPHEW, Hannah 1830 11 F Ipswich Suffolk

Household MORPHEW, Hannah 1806 35 F Ipswich Suffolk

Household MORPHEW, Hariot 1806 35 F Whitechapel Middlesex

Household MORPHEW, Henry 1839 2 M Ipswich Suffolk

Household MORPHEW, Humphry 1829 12 M Whitechapel Middlesex

Household MORPHEW, James 1838 3 M Bosmere & Claydon Suffolk

Household MORPHEW, James 1801 40 M Ipswich Suffolk

Household MORPHEW, James 1805 36 M St George Hanover

Square Middlesex

Household MORPHEW, James 1811 30 M Reading Berkshire

Household MORPHEW, James 1836 5 M Gravesend & Milton Kent

Household MORPHEW, James 1827 14 M Maidstone Kent

Household MORPHEW, Jane 1785 56 F Epsom Surrey

Household MORPHEW, Jane 1826 15 F Richmond Yorkshire

Household MORPHEW, Jane 1821 20 F Greenwich Kent

Household MORPHEW, Jeffery 1821 20 M Falmouth Union Cornwall

Household MORPHEW, Jeffery 1831 10 M Winchester & Hursley Hampshire

Household MORPHEW, Jeffery 1801 40 M Ashford, East Kent

Household MORPHEW, Jemmima 1837 4 F Epsom Surrey

Household MORPHEW, John 1806 35 M Wisbech Norfolk

Household MORPHEW, John 1834 7 M Wisbech Norfolk

Household MORPHEW, John 1837 4 M Great Yarmouth Norfolk

Household MORPHEW, John 1835 6 M Billericay Essex

Household MORPHEW, John 1833 8 M Ipswich Suffolk

Household MORPHEW, John 1834 7 M Ipswich Suffolk

Household MORPHEW, John 1800 41 M Guildford Surrey

Household MORPHEW, John 1791 50 M Shoreditch Middlesex

Household MORPHEW, John 1804 37 M Stepney Middlesex

Household MORPHEW, John 1801 40 M Stepney Middlesex

Household MORPHEW, John 1821 20 M Richmond Yorkshire

Household MORPHEW, John 1770 71 M Tonbridge Kent

Household MORPHEW, John 1825 16 M Elham Kent

Household MORPHEW, John 1801 40 M Lewes Chailey West Firle

& Newhaven Sussex

Household MORPHEW, John 1832 9 M Lewes Chailey West Firle

& Newhaven Sussex

Household MORPHEW, Joseph 1806 35 M Bosmere & Claydon Suffolk

29

Household MORPHEW, Joseph 1814 27 M Gainsborough Lincolnshire

Household MORPHEW, Joseph 1781 60 M Falmouth Union Cornwall

Household MORPHEW, Julia 1838 3 F Stepney Middlesex

Household MORPHEW, Louisa 1830 11 F Ipswich Suffolk

Household MORPHEW, Margaret 1833 8 F Droxford Hampshire

Household MORPHEW, Margaret 1834 7 F Grinstead, East Sussex

Household MORPHEW, Marion 1837 4 F Sevenoaks Kent

Household MORPHEW, Mary 1806 35 F Wisbech Norfolk

Household MORPHEW, Mary 1829 12 F Wisbech Norfolk

Household MORPHEW, Mary 1766 75 F Bosmere & Claydon Suffolk

Household MORPHEW, Mary 1801 40 F Ipswich Suffolk

Household MORPHEW, Mary 1812 29 F Kingston Surrey

Household MORPHEW, Mary 1771 70 F St Pancras Middlesex

Household MORPHEW, Mary 1807 34 F Stepney Middlesex

Household MORPHEW, Mary 1830 11 F Stepney Middlesex

Household MORPHEW, Mary 1796 45 F Whitechapel Middlesex

Household MORPHEW, Mary 1796 45 F Richmond Yorkshire

Household MORPHEW, Mary 1831 10 F Richmond Yorkshire

Household MORPHEW, Mary 1821 20 F Reading Berkshire

1911 census shows no Morfew

Morfew in 1841 census

Household MORFEW, Elizabeth 1811 30 F Bosmere & Claydon Suffolk

Household MORFEW, Emma 1829 12 F Bosmere & Claydon Suffolk

Household MORFEW, John 1806 35 M Bosmere & Claydon Suffolk

30

BibliographyBibliographyBibliographyBibliography Gods War Christopher Tyerman

Cyprus: society and culture 1191-1374

By Angel Nikolaou-Konnarē, Christopher David Schabel

The crusades: a history

By Jonathan Riley-Smith

The Crusades and the military orders: expanding the frontiers of medieval ...

By Zsolt Hunyadi, József Laszlovszky, Central European University. Dept. of Medieval Studies

The Medieval Kingdoms of Cyprus and Armenia

By William Stubbs The Crusades A History of armed pilgrimage and holy war Geoffrey Hindley Larousse Encyclopaedia of Ancient and Medieval History The Black Death Philip Ziegler

Dictionary of English Surnames Paper : The Bretons and Normans in England in1066-1154. The family fief and the feudal monarchy KSB Keats - Rohan

The debate of the Norman Conquest Marjorie Chibnall Manchester University Pre

31

Internet resourceInternet resourceInternet resourceInternet resource A History of Cyprus http://www.kypros.org/Sxetikos/Library/ByzantineChurches/AHistoryofCyprus-5.htm Merriam-Webster http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cotton Catholic Encyclopedia http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04543c.htm Morffew Family History http://www.gwydir.demon.co.uk/edkins/others/morffew.htm Zoe Heukels-Morffew & Nils Visser, Huizen, The Netherlands. http://morpheweb.com/morffew/morffewpartonetext.doc Georgia health info http://georgiahealth.info.gov/cms/root Cyprus http://fmg.ac/Projects/Medlands/Cyprus / Full name directory http://www.fullnamedirectory.com/page232618.html Planet Murphy A web site with a lot of information about the Morffew’s and Morphew’s in America. http:/www.planetmurphy.org/