This is a locational name which derives from the former village of Bredbury in the parish of Stockport, Cheshire. The name is Olde English pre 7th century and means the dweller on the broad hill (brad-bur). The alternative spellings have included Henry Bradberye of London 1559, Ales Bradburye of Prestwich, Cheshire 1562, Edmund Bradbury, 1664 Disley, Manchester. The Coat of Arms is a black field, with two chevrons between four buckles, all in gold. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Jordan de Bredbury which was dated 1270 The County of Cheshire Rolls during the reign of King Henry 111 The Frenchman 1216 - 1272. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.