BARTHROPP 

Between these two, (Bartrop & Barthropp) geographically as well as in the possibility of coming from either side, ie the Barthropp family of Suffolk. The form of the name suggests that it is a branch of the Bartrops, but other factors imply connections with the Essex group.  

A pedigree roll in the Society of Genealogists and manuscripts in the British Museum both trace the main line of Barthropps back to yeomen at Easton ton, Suffolk, in the mid-17th century. There are some differences in names; but the head of the family at that period moved to Marlesford. His grandson Nathaniel (1735-90) bought Blomvile's Manor, near Hacheston, and this remained the fam­ily's property for two more generations. A third Nathaniel (l8l4-74) sold the manor for £23,000 to the Earl of Rochford but kept a lease of the land for 21 years.  

This Nathaniel Barthropp was well-known as a huntsman and breeder of horses. 'The Horse in the Furrow', by George Ewart Evans, mentions him as one of three owners of outstanding studs for Suffolk horses. He and his wife, who was Fanny Shafto of Durham, had ten children, but subsequent issue were few. The line is represented today by Wing Commander Paddy Barthropp.

Arms of Barthropp of Blomvile's Manor — Paly of 6 or and azure, over all a bend gules. . 3 wings, each pierced with an arrow or.

The family has an interesting and uncharacteristic name variation. John (1730-93), an uncle of the first Nathaniel Barthropp, was a small farmer at Hollesley, near Hacheston. By 1771 be was described as a 'gentleman' (i.e. a person living on private means). His son Robert went to Handford Hall, Ipswich, where he died 'very much respected' in 1828. Through one or other their name became 'Barthorp', and descendants still bear it. Considering their nearness to the Barthropps of Blomvile's, and their social  standing, the usual reasons for a fresh version of the name hardly apply. In this case there may have been a deliberate intention to create a separate family.

Other branches of Barthropp appear continually in Suffolk records; mostly, but by no means all, on the east side of the county. However, before the mid-17th century the name in Suffolk fre­quently has the letter 1. Thomas Baltrop was taxed 3s.l0d at Little Bradley in 1524; 'summa of the pryncypall arch­ers' in the muster roll at Mildenhall, 1527, has Nicholas Baltrope; Bartholo­mew Balthroppe was buried at Denham in 1592. In the 1600s there are Thomas Baltroop and Joan Balthrop at Withersfield; Ann Baltrope, Sudbury; Edward Balthorpe, Clare; and many other examples. These renderings indicate that the Suffolk group shared the tradition of the family in Essex and London.

Again, more research is needed to trace the connections and movements. Suffolk adjoins Essex on the north side. The Suffolk people may have spread over the Essex border, or vice versa; or they may represent a chain of movement be­tween Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire and the areas nearer London. It is also possible that they were not one group but two - Bartrop descendants from the east Midlands beside lines which retained the ‘1’ because they were branches of the Essex family.

Grateful thanks go Robert Barltrop for giving permission to use extracts from his publication 'The Bar Tree'

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