"I was searching the internet and to my astonishment, I found this town, Knighton, that is the same name as my last name.
Growing up in the Southeastern U.S., there aren't many Knightons. In fact, in my home state, Mississippi, there are approximately 12. That's 12 out of 2.5 million in the entire state.
I'm in Texas now, and there aren't many here either.
I am intrigued by this town in Wales, and I'd like to know more about it. Is there someone that will take the time to write me about the history of the town? Thank you very much."
Posted by Jay Knighton from Texas
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your comments
Brandon Knighton , Louisiana
Some of my family and i have been looking for answers for many year about who are we and did we come from Knigton and or why are there so many towns in euorope called Knighton. We have not found out alot and the only town that holds any interest with me is the Knighton that is located in two countrys Wales and England. There was a fude between the Knighton family there along time ago around the time america was discovered.from then on some Knightons last name stayed the same but others changed it to a different spelling like Knighten,Knightun,or just plain Knight i am going to asume this is! becase of that fude.But we all have something in common were looking for something we may not find our history. I found out about the town Knighton looking for answers to my Familys past.But all i can ever find is web sites about a town called Knighton or A Knighton looking for the same thing i am. I have found out almost nothing and have all but given up.Its almost as if it has been erased our history.and for the previous Knighton in cali my mother gave up a sister of mine for adoption when i was a boy she was broke and scared but she doesnt regret it because she knows that little girl had a better life.Not saying thats you unless your name is hope...but there arent alot of Knighton's so it wouldnt be hard to figure out if u even want to know..! .
Fri Nov 13 09:46:58 2009
judith pritchard from knighton
Everybody seems to be forgetting that we actually have two castles in Knighton the one on Bryn-y-castle was a mote and baily so had no stone work the other is at the top of town next to where the old butter cross was in Market street. I remember as a child playing in what was left of the dungens of this castle which was in the mid 60,s I seem to remember that this stone castle who,s walls can still be seen in Market street and Castle bank was something to do with the Mortimer family local feudal lords
Tue Aug 25 09:31:12 2009
John Jordan , Knighton
In reply to peter rose of coventry or alabama. Re your queries,horse and jockey is still open and busy but the knighton has closed again earlier this year. Also sad to relate that Phil Randle died a few years ago. I would like to make one thing very clear. I assume that he was asking about Phil Randle of the Knighton Hotel when I said he had passed away...because the other phil randle is still with us.
Sun Jul 5 20:15:25 2009
Peter Rose, Coventry, West Midlands
I used to work at the Butlin's in Barry Island, where I met some people from Knighton.I've visited them a few times, years ago, and wonder if anyone can help me locate them.Does anyone know Jenny Englefield?Judy Parker?Plil Randle?Is The Horse and Jockey still open?Is The Norton Arms Hotel still there?Plese keep me informed.After Butlin's Holiday Camp, I got a job at the Clock Restaurant, Welwyn, Herts.I now live in Alabama, USA.
Tue Jun 30 19:13:41 2009
Keith Owen
For all our American posters,I Feel I should point out, that there are at least seven other Knighton`s in the U.K Knighton,Stafford. Knighton,Alcester,Warks.Knighton, Swindon. Knighton, Sherborne, Dorset. Knighton, Market Drayton, Shropshire. Knighton On Teme, Tenbury Wells, Worcs. Chudleigh Knighton, Devon.
Tue Nov 25 16:40:39 2008
Mike Cavanagh: Lincolnshire
Chasing an elusive relative where scant information exists,I keep getting referred back to Knighton by various sources no matter where I search, each time being told of a close friendly community. With that in mind, I offer my clues: 1.Two sister Spinster-Ladies, devout churchgoers who played the church organ locally? 2. A Haberdashery called WOZENCROFTS? Somehow all connected and the dates only guessed would be circa 1936 - 1990, these ladies apparently not leaving the Town? It is their Brother who I seek details of, they all being born early 1900's and long gone now? Your newsletter/board seemingly my only hope? Grateful for slightest clues and thanking your attention All.
Mon Aug 4 08:14:47 2008
Terrance Knighton, New York
I found this site by typing in how many knightons are there. I'm from philadelphia, pa but I live in new york now and I've been trying to find out where my family lives besides philly.
Mon Jul 14 16:55:41 2008
Mark Burgoyne, Birmingham
It is a little nerdy but if you tap "Knighton, Powys" into wikipedia it will bring up a detailed page on this fine, little town. I was raised in the town and I am happy to celebrate its charms but I am not blind to its failings.For those bearing the name KNIGHTON, beware as there are at least 8 of them including another on the same river as this preeminent Knighton.
Tue Jun 24 09:07:36 2008
Wild Mountain Pony
Hey Ronald, perhaps you could try staying at the inn in the small hamlet of Bleddfa, just outside Knighton. Bleddfa means 'The place of Wolves'!
Tue Jan 29 14:05:16 2008
Ronald Straywolf, Knighton
I am traveling through the UK and Africa and was wondering where a good place to stay would be. I will be visiting on Feb 13th. Any ideas?Thanks!
Fri Jan 25 09:59:04 2008
Casey Knighton, Fort Bliss, Texas USA
I have been interested in the town of Knighton since i heard about it from a friend of mine that was stationed some where near there and told me that there is a town that had my last name. I plan to visit Knighton after my deployment over sea and i am out of the army. I have heard great things about the night life and the sceanery in Knighton and it would be nice to visit the town where my Family name origionated
Wed Jan 2 09:42:38 2008
Brian Thomas, now at Leeds
I notice a lot of letters from USA. During second world war there were American soldiers stationed at Stanage(therehad been many of our own regiments there training previously, I can remember the Americans driving their Sherman Tanks up broad Street as well as Jeeps . They were very good to us kids ( a I was then) and were always throwingus sweets and chewing gum if we weremon the streets when they passed. hey even staged a baseball mathch on Bryn-y-Castle for our entertainment
Fri Nov 30 12:19:48 2007
David l. Knighton
My name is knighton also I live in Ruckersville Va. now, but I am orially from Covington Va. which is on the West Virgina border in the mountains; the Alleghany mountains to be exact. I am interested in finding some of my ancestry also there some knightons that live in the next two counties over from me, Orange County and Louisa. I don't know them personally but I do know they are related in some distant way.
Fri Nov 9 09:06:05 2007
Rhoda Hodnett
Knighton In Welsh Is Tref-Y-Clawdd, This Means Town Of The Dyke. I Live In Llangunllo Just Out Side Knighton And It Really Is A Fab Place To Live!! How Come There Are So Many Americans On This Website?
Wed Oct 24 10:10:29 2007
Mark, Knighton
I'm English really, just work here. Knighton in Powis, Wales is just one of many places in the UK called Knighton, there are 2 or 3 in Worcestershire alone. And yes it means town of or settlement of Knights, most people called Knight, a common name in the UK just had lazy ancesters who couldn't be bothered to write the 'on' on the end!
Fri Aug 10 08:54:34 2007
Taylor Knighton, Mobile, AL, USA
Google house of names and knighton...Here is a link to the site with a picture of the Knighton crest on it.
Thu Aug 9 14:06:03 2007
Taylor Knighton, Mobile, AL
This isn't really useful...I'm trying to find out more about my ancestry. I've known that there was a town that shared my name since I was little, as my father had visited during his stay in Wales while he was in the Navy. I would someday like to visit it as well. It makes me feel unique to know that my name is not common in the States; recently I found a crest on the internet for the last name that was shared on many sites, so I think it's legitimate. It is mostly comprised of blue and white stripes.
Thu Aug 9 14:01:34 2007
Taylor Knighton, Mobile, AL, USA
This is odd....I've just found out that most of the Knightons in the US are situated in the Southeast...
Thu Aug 9 13:59:44 2007
Marilynn Masten, NC
Knight is an old English word for male servant or farm hand. Ton is from the Saxon word for town. Knight is pronounced K(pronounce the K) nikton.
Thu Aug 2 09:28:01 2007
Coz, Knighton
Knighton is o.k at nite but in the day its boring. We can't play football on bryn-y-castle because of dog poo. Please give us somewhere to play...
Mon Jul 9 14:39:22 2007
Ellie John, Felindre
I am 16 and i live in the beautiful village of Felindre which is closely located next to Knighton. The night life is incredible, i've been to various parts of the uk and find that Knighton is better than London. the pubs are suited to everyone especially if you are a keen farmer such as myself. I feel proud to be a part of the superb community.
Thu May 17 11:15:34 2007
Jess Holman from Knighton
I really love the friendly atmosphere that this beautiful town creates. The night life is the best I have ever experienced and I feel pleasured to live in such a lovely town where everyone is at peace.
Wed May 2 10:24:01 2007
Emma Cross
I live in knighton, we have a variety of fast food outlets such as chandos which is a kabab house, the variety of chip shops ummmmm!!!!the indian and chinese, and sandwich bars and many pubs which are good for having bevvies. Knighton is full of different people, there are many different cultures and religions. On a night out its quite good.
Fri Feb 2 15:18:48 2007
Jodie Bowen , Knighton powys
I've just read your comments about the town knighton, well im 18 and have lived in knighton all my life, its situated on the offas dyke and has much tourism and people that are attracted to the town. Knighton is situated in a valley gully and is surrounded by hills and mountains. It's only a short drive to surrounding cities and towns such as Shrewsbury and Birmingham. There are the remains of a castle on the top of the playing field called bryn-y-castle. There aren't really any rocks on show but you can still see the remains of the motes that surrounded the castle.The town is full of friendly people and many celebrities have visited on occasions, a soap star lives locally and enjoys the freedom and the hospiatlity of the people of the town. Knighton is right on the border from england to wales, across the railway bridge is england.
Thu Jan 4 13:26:13 2007
Maiden name is Knighton from utah
I was born in Utah and my family has done extensive geonology on our family line. We did come from the town of Knighton in Wales and Yes, there is a family crest of which I have a painting of. I would have to find a way to get a copy or drawing of it. My family reaches all the way back to the 1500's or 1600's. (I would have to check that with my mom.) Somewhere along the same line we are the descendents of Queen Elizabeth the 1st. I just stumbled on to this site and my information is not in hand at the moment but there has been a lot of geneology on the Knighton Family. Does any one else share the tradition of naming your children from generation to generation from William Knighton to John Thomas Knighton back to William then John Thomas and so forth?
Mon Jan 1 12:23:39 2007
Tim Knighton
I am also wondering about the town of Knighton in Wales. My father has told me that we are descendants of knights but he does not know if that is true. He has also told me that we have something to do with the building of or the designing of the Big Ben in London. Growing up, my father working for IBM, we have moved all over the United States. We have always found it fun to look up how many Knighton's are in the phone books where we move or vacation. I find it very interesting that there are not many Knighton's in the States. I have been Active Duty Army and have been stationed all over the! world and I still look in the phone books for the Knighton's, but I am not finding many. Are we all from this town of Knighton? Is there a Knighton crest or banner? Are we descendants of Knight's?
Mon Nov 13 15:58:33 2006
Caron Knighton
I'm an Illinois Knighton. I have recently started researching my family history and also very intreaged by the town. I have been told the last of the Knighton family left Knighton,Whales around 1700-1800....Im not too sure how acurate this information is. I beleive John and Hanna Knighton(1806) left Knighton and moved to Winick, Engalnd.
I currently live in Scottsdale,az,USA
Mon Oct 30 09:12:17 2006
Mary Ann Nichols, Colorado and Texas, USA
My husband and I are planning to visit Knighton in early October. His great, great grandparents, Thomas Cooper and Mary Ann Morris Cooper, migrated from Knighton to Canada in the 1850s with six children. They lived at 2 Broad Street. My husband's father visited Knighton at the end of WWII and met some Coopers with whom he corresponded for several years.We have letters from the 1940s from the Thomas Cooper family: Dora Cooper and her daughters Joan and Diana, who lived at 16 Station Road and a place called The Gables. We are hoping to find some family when we visit.Any information would be appreciated.
Tue Aug 22 11:32:44 2006
Mary Ann Nichols, Colorado and Texas, USA
My husband and I are planning to visit Knighton in early October. His Great, Great Grandparents, Thomas Cooper and Mary Ann Morris Cooper, migrated from Knighton to Canada in the 1850s with six children. They lived at 2 Broad Street. My husband's father visited Knighton at the end of WWII and met some Coopers with whom he corresponded for several years.We have letters from the 1940s from the Thomas Cooper family: Dora Cooper and her daughters Joan and Diana, who lived at 16 Station Road and a place called The Gables. We are hoping to find some family When we visit. ! Any information would be appreciated.
Mon Aug 21 09:52:04 2006
Bill Smith from Newtown
P.S. to my last one. Just seen the following on the Knighton web site:
The word Knighton actually is a Saxon word which means "settlement of knights" so I was not too far out with my first one.
Fri Feb 24 16:14:18 2006
Bill Smith from Newtown
Knighton is my home town. My understanding was that the name derived from the words 'Knights town'. Could be true as there is the remains of a castle in Knighton.
Fri Feb 24 16:09:41 2006
KNIGHTON, CALIFORNIA USA
i also found this sight and would like more information. i was born with the last name knighton, but was later adopted. i've have no idea about my ancestry, but that my last name was knighton. is there a town crest for knighton? are there any history of knightons who lived in knighton. or did people take this name from the town?
Thu Feb 23 07:27:21 2006
Can you help Jay? Add your comments about Knighton here and we'll publish them on the page:
American citizen Jay Knighton would like to know more about the Mid Wales town whose name he shares. Do you have any local knowledge which could help answer his appeal for information?