The surname of ADDAMM was a baptismal name 'the son of Adam', almost the prime favourite as a font name in the 13th Century. It was also a popular name in Scotland, and there is a legend that a Duncan Adam, who lived in the reign of Robert the Bruce, had four sons, Robert, John, Reginald, and Duncan, and that from them all the Adams, Adam, MacAdams and Adies in Scotland are descended. Early records of the name mention John Filius Adam was recorded in County Oxford, 1273. Johannes Adam of Yorkshire, was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. Thomas Williams and Anne Addams were married in London in 1619, and Thomas Adams and Elizabeth Emerson, were married at St. George's, Hanover Square, London in the year 1640. John Adams (1735-1826) 2nd President of the United States; member of committee formed to draft the Declaration of Independence. John Adams (1760-1829), one of the Bounty's mutineers; founded settlement on Pitcairn Island. John Couch Adams (1819-1892), astronomer, discoverer of the planet Neptune. At first the coat of arms was a practical matter which served a function on the battlefield and in tournaments. With his helmet covering his face, and armour encasing the knight from head to foot, the only means of identification for his followers, was the insignia painted on his shield and embroidered on his surcoat, the flowing and draped garment worn over the armour. The burghs of Scotland owe much of their prosperity to the large immigration of foreigners which went on during the 12th and 13th centuries. The original founders of the towns, were in many cases wanderers from Flanders, who brought with them their habits of industry and knowledge of trade and manufacturer. Settlers of this description came in great numbers to England in the reign of Henry 1. (1100-1135) and when Henry 11 (1154-1189) drove all foreigners out of his dominions they flocked into Scotland, where a more enlightened policy made them welcome. The associated coat of arms is recorded in Sir Bernard Burkes General Armory. Ulster King of Arms in 1884.