English Curlieu
Numerous official English documents mention a Curly, or Curlew, family beginning in the early 12th century. The family can be traced to Normandy in 1103 AD, with their first recorded appearance in England in 1110, not too long after the decisive Norman conquest of England in 1066. Originally known as Curlibuef in Normandy, the family's name assumed a myriad of Anglicized variations very early, including such diverse forms as Curleio, Curlieu, Curlew, Curlewe, Curlu, Curly, Curley, Curli, Curlye, and Curle. This family held positions of power in England, being lords of sizable estates in Warwickshire County and nearby Leicester County.
The earliest records of the family in Normandy come from the "Calendar of Documents Preserved in France, Illustrative of the History of Great Britain and Ireland, Volume 1". Family members are listed multiple times as witnesses to royal charters, which are summarized below. The earliest known ancestor of the family is Ranulfus de Curlibuef, living near the city of Troarn in Lower Normandy.
The family is also mentioned within the "Magni Rotuli Scaccarii", the scrolls of the King's office of taxation and revenues. In 1198 AD, Thomas de Curleio of Normandy, of the Bailiwick of Caen, loaned 10 lire to William Poignart to pay his debt to the King.
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The first mention of the family in England, recorded in ~1110 AD, comes from the Winton Domesday, an administrative list of landholders in the city of Winchester:
Entry # 175
Alwarene Street (modern St. Peter's Street), Winchester, Hampshire, England. Sawinus, brother of W'nstani paid 15d. and the custom in the time of King Edward. Now Rannulfus de Curleio and Saieua owe the same. |
Some of the Curlys were knights, possessing lands granted by the King in exchange for their knightly services and homage. According to William Dugdale's "Antiquities of Warwickshire", the Curly family's seal of arms is a label with 4 points standing in the place of a bend sinister. Illustrated above is a recreation of the seal based on this description.
A number of heraldic arms have been associated with later descendants of the Norman Curlieu family, comprised of a vert field with a metallic chevron and a varied assortment of fleurs-de-lis and cinquefoils. For a thorough description, see the "Heraldry" section of this webpage. The family's main estate holdings are centered around the village of Budbrooke in Warwickshire, just west of the town of Warwick. In addition to the Budbrooke manor, the Curlys' lordship extended to include adjacent properties at Norton Curlieu (also known as Norton Inferior), Hampton Curlieu (also known as Hampton-on-the-hill), and Grove Park (or la Grave Curly), all of which take their names from the family. Additional lands were held in the hamlet of Langley and the parish of Norton Limesi (nowadays Lindsey) sometimes called Norton Superior. The family also possessed Carleton Curlieu manor, named after the family, located in Leicester County about 40 miles northeast of Budbrooke. Later Curly descendants held manors in Foleshill about 15 miles northeast of Budbrooke and in Loxley 10 miles to the south. The first record of the family in the Warwickshire area dates from 1194 AD, found in the "Cartulary of Eynsham". Robertus de Curl' and Willelmus his brother are listed as witnesses to a land deed for the property of Wido de Diva in Broughton, etc., located in Oxfordshire about 25 miles from Budbrooke. |
In 1 John I, 1199 or 1200 AD, the Rotuli Curia Regis (King's court rolls, or scrolls) record that a hearing for Johannes de Curli was postponed in the court of Northhampton, located about 30 miles from Budbrooke.
In 2 John I, 1200 or 1201 AD, John de Curly and his heirs were first granted 2 knights fees at Budbroke, now known as Budbrooke, from the land of Hugh de Bardulf. A knight's fee was the standard measure of land at the time, considered an amount sufficient to support one knight and all his needs. Soon after receiving the land, John returned to Normandy, turning over the Budbrooke manor and related properties to his brother William.
In 2 John I, 1200 or 1201 AD, John de Curly and his heirs were first granted 2 knights fees at Budbroke, now known as Budbrooke, from the land of Hugh de Bardulf. A knight's fee was the standard measure of land at the time, considered an amount sufficient to support one knight and all his needs. Soon after receiving the land, John returned to Normandy, turning over the Budbrooke manor and related properties to his brother William.
The family's Budbrooke manor is listed in official documents among properties considered "Terra de Normanorrum", or "Land of the Normans". In 1066 Normandy and England were united into a single kingdom after William the Conqueror invaded England, winning the decisive Battle of Hastings. Many of the Norman settlers following this conquest held estates in both England and Normandy. But when King Philip II of France later took control of Normandy in 1204, such individuals were pressured to choose one side or the other and declare their exclusive loyalty to either King John of England or King Philip II of France. The list of English estates held by Norman settlers were referred to during this period as "Terra de Normanorrum". We find the record for Budbrooke within the "Liber Feodorum", or Book of Fees, which states that "Budbrooke is land of the Normans and William de Curly holds it by charter of the King".
Apparently John de Curly, William's brother, sided with King Philip in this conflict. In 1205 AD, the Rotuli de Oblatis et Finibus, or Fine Rolls, record that King John seized the Curlys' property in England as punishment:
Later that year, the Fine Rolls record that William pledged to serve King John, the fine was paid, and his property was in fact returned to him.
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The Curlys granted much of their land to the church. According to Dugdale's "Antiquities of Warwickshire", William gave several parcels in Langley to the Pinley Priory, and two acres in Edrichestun to the monks of Bordsley. He also confirmed gifts on the properties granted by the lands' previous owners, including plots in Langley to the monks of Bordsley, and a tithe of land in Budbrooke to the Canons of the Collegiate Church in Warwick. Robert de Curly had a chapel built in Hampton Curly.
The Patent Rolls, which are written edicts published by the king, record that William de Curli was appointed to serve as a justice of assize and gaol delivery multiple times from 1220 to 1247 AD in Warwickshire and Leicester counties. The justices were a panel of judges who presided over local court hearings. Not unlike modern jury duty, assignment to these panels of justices was mandatory and apparently not always welcome. For in 1252 an order was given by King Henry III granting William de Curly an exemption from serving on such courts:
From 1242 to 1245 AD, the Curia Regis rolls contains numerous records of court hearings for land disputes involving the properties of William de Curly. These property disputes are mostly uninteresting, and are not repeated in detail here.
There is also during this time a Henricus de Curly, listed as a witness for a court hearing that took place in Warwickshire in 1242. |
William de Curli must have died around 1253. The Budbrooke estate was at this time passed to William's heirs, his nieces and their husbands, as ratified by King Henry III and recorded in the Calendar of Charter Rolls.
Ratification in favour of Peter de Nevill and Alice his wife, and Robert de Hastinges and Joan his wife, nieces and heirs of William de Curleye, of a charter whereby King John granted to William de Curleye the gift made by John de Curleye, his brother, to him and his heirs of the manor of Budebroke and other lands and tenements.
[Calendar of the Charter Rolls; 37 Henry III; March 20, 1253; Westminster] |
The Patent Rolls of 1256 record that King Henry III granted temporary relief to Richard Curlu from his knightly duties.
William Dugdale's "The Antiquities of Warwickshire Illustrated" contains a family tree for the Curly family of Warwickshire. But this tree has significant errors, listing John as the father of William rather than his brother. The tree also omits several family members from records that were apparently overlooked in Dugdale's research.
On the basis of the tree from Dugdale, some secondary sources report that the Curly family left no male heirs and so the surname died out. But this is not the case. Even though the main Budbrooke estate was passed on to William's nieces, other members of the extended Curley family continued to live on in the Budbrooke area, with some holding lesser estates. But from this time forward some of the remaining Curlys appear to have fallen on harder times, often finding themselves on the wrong side of the law. |
John de Curly, along with William Bagot, was lord of Loxley, a manor house about 10 miles south of Budbrooke. This property was owned by the monastery of Worcester and rented out to the lords. In 1258, William Bagot, John Curly, and other local inhabitants were excommunicated for the nonpayment of rent.
In about 1262, a Benedict le Curly was ordered to be arrested for hunting without permission in Lichfield Forest of Staffordshire, adjacent to Warwickshire.
In about 1262, a Benedict le Curly was ordered to be arrested for hunting without permission in Lichfield Forest of Staffordshire, adjacent to Warwickshire.
It was presented and convicted by John fitz Philip, the custos of the forest, and by Alan de Englefeld, Philip de Lotteleye, Henry de Morf, and Richard de Eveneffeld, the verderers of the same forest, that Richard de la Boruwe and other unknown men took a stag in the forest without warrant on the Friday before the Feast of St. Kenelm, 46 H. III. And the said Robert did not appear, and was not attached, and could not be found. He is therefore to be put in the exigend and to be outlawed if he did not appear.
It was presented by the same and convicted that Robert Hasteng, Gilbert de Waldingesfeld his squire, and Walter, who was a servant of the said Robert at Chebbeseye, and John the clerk of the same Robert, of whose surname further inquiry is to be made; Adam le Parker, Benedict le Curly, and six others named, had entered the said forest on the Wednesday after the Feast of the Translation of St. Thomas in the aforesaid year with bows and arrows, and had taken five stags and three hinds without warrant, and had carried the venison to the house of the said Robert at Chebbesey. William de la Cornere appeared on the first day, and was committed to prison and fined 20s. for his release; and Richard son of the said William is dead and was not attached, and the others did not appear nor were they attached. The Sheriff is therefore ordered to arrest them. Robert de Hasteng and Walter his serviens afterwards appeared, and were committed to prison, and the Sheriff is ordered to arrest the others. [Pleas of the Forest at Lichfield; 46 Henry III; Staffordshire] |
A trial and sentencing was ordered (or in the language of the time, a "commission of oyer and terminer") in 1276 for a Matthew Curlu who detained someone's ship and cargo over a broken contract. This took place in Blakeney, Norfolkshire, some distance from the estates in Warwickshire and Leicestershire. Around this time, the Curlys begin to appear in locations more widely dispersed throughout England, not just near the focal point of Budbrooke.
The like (commission of oyer and terminer) to Roger Loveday, on complaint by Daniel de Hok of Berflet, that whereas he had sent a certain ship laden with pepper and other merchandise by the port of Blakene, co. Norfolk, towards Lynn, Matthew Curlu, together with many men of the town of Blakene, arrested the said ship in the port under colour of a contract long since made between the said Daniel and Matthew as to which each of them then held himself content before the bailiffs of Lynn, and detained the said ship until it was totally wrecked with the aforesaid goods.
[Calendar of the Patent Rolls; 4 Edward I, July 3, 1276; Romney] |
Richard Curlu was accused of evicting and stealing the property of a tenant, supposedly his daughter's fiance.
The like (commission of oyer and terminer) to J. de Luvetot and H. Hauteyn, on complaint by Richard Maylle, that, being under the protection granted to him by Henry III, Simon son of Richard and Richard son of Richard Curlu having demised to him the custody of the lands and the marriage of the heir of Richard Curlu, who held by knight-service of the said Simon, ejected the said Richard and carried away his goods at Styvekeye and Threseweton. Also that, being under the present king's protection, Roger de Brom, William de Woktsham, Richard son of Stephen Angot, Thomas his brother, Ralph de Mildenhale, chaplain, Stephen Angot, Henry de Swenham, John son of Roger de Stokes, and Stephen de Ware of Caldecote, broke his doors and houses at Stokefery, co. Norfolk, and carried away his goods.
[Calendar of the Patent Rolls; 2 Edward I; July 18, 1283; Carnavon, Hampshire] |
The "Inquisitions and Assessments Relating to Feudal Aids" contain records of the duties required of a tenant or vassal to his lord. According to this record, Johanne de Curly held a knight's fee in Warwickshire in 1284 or 1285 AD.
Richard de Curly held some property in Foleshill, about 15 miles northeast of Budbrooke, up until about 1300 AD:
Richard de Curly held some property in Foleshill, about 15 miles northeast of Budbrooke, up until about 1300 AD:
Richard de Curly; Feoffment by William le Botiler son of the late Sir Henry le Botiler, knight, to William le Warner of Eccleshale and Isabel his wife for their homage and service of a half virgate of land in Folkeshul which Richard de Curly and Margery his wife formerly held, together with the messuage to the said land belonging; rent 12s. payable quarterly; consideration, a half mark silver beforehand.
[A Descriptive Catalog of Ancient Deeds, Volume 4; 27 Edward I; Warwickshire] |
The Yorkshire Lay Subsidy of 1301 records a Thomas Kerelle living in Farndale, Yorkshire.
There was a dispute regarding possession of the Budbrooke estate in 1305 AD following the death of William de Curly's widow Scholastica. According to the Plea Rolls of King Edward I, William de Curly's heirs possessed the property, but Philip de Gayton claimed a right to the property through an agreement with the prior owner, claiming that the grant to William was effective only as long as William was alive and providing his service to the king. King Edward commanded the Sheriff to bring William de Curly to come and pay homage for the lands granted to him. The Sheriff returned, reporting that William was dead. At the court hearing it was explained that William had no sons, and so possession had passed to William's wife, Scholastica, and her second husband. After the death of Scholastica and her husband, the estate had been inherited by William's daughter Alice and his husband, who later sold it to Alice's nephew, son of Joan (Johanna). The king eventually decided in favor of the Curly heirs, confirming the land to Joan's son.
From this point on, the Curly name was no longer associated with the Budbrooke estate. But even though no Curlys survived through William's line at Budbrooke, the name lived on through other family members who continued to appear in official documents of the area.
There was a dispute regarding possession of the Budbrooke estate in 1305 AD following the death of William de Curly's widow Scholastica. According to the Plea Rolls of King Edward I, William de Curly's heirs possessed the property, but Philip de Gayton claimed a right to the property through an agreement with the prior owner, claiming that the grant to William was effective only as long as William was alive and providing his service to the king. King Edward commanded the Sheriff to bring William de Curly to come and pay homage for the lands granted to him. The Sheriff returned, reporting that William was dead. At the court hearing it was explained that William had no sons, and so possession had passed to William's wife, Scholastica, and her second husband. After the death of Scholastica and her husband, the estate had been inherited by William's daughter Alice and his husband, who later sold it to Alice's nephew, son of Joan (Johanna). The king eventually decided in favor of the Curly heirs, confirming the land to Joan's son.
From this point on, the Curly name was no longer associated with the Budbrooke estate. But even though no Curlys survived through William's line at Budbrooke, the name lived on through other family members who continued to appear in official documents of the area.
Curly family members continue to make it into the records as accused, and sometimes pardoned, criminals. These entries are self explanatory, needing no additional commentary:
Commission of oyer and terminer to William de Ormesby, John de Thorpe and Richard de VWalsyngham, on complaint by John de Glaunford that Thomas Curlu, William Turteville and Robert his brother, with others, assaulted him at Glaunford, co. Lincoln.
[Calendar of the Patent Rolls; 7 Edward II; April 21, 1314; Lincoln] Pardon to Hugh Curle of Ketliston for acquiring in fee, without licence, from Thomas de Hauville a messuage and 16 acres of land in Ketliston, co. Norfolk, held in chief. By K. on the information of the earl of Hereford. [Calendar of the Patent Rolls; 12 Edward II, Sept. 24, 1318; York] Commisson of oyer and terminer to John de Thorpe, John de Mutford and John de Cauntebrigge on complaint by John, bishop of Ely, that Richard de Pavely, prior of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem in England, and Robert de Estestrete, his fellow monk, Simon le Forester, ' moldesman' of Thony, William Berry, 'moldesman' of Thony, Ralph Aleyn, John Aleyn, John Goscelyn, Walter Spirling, Walter Herberd, Richard Curle, and Richard his son, Ralph Malveys, Thomas Toute, Robert le Blake, Laurence le Porter, Hugh Skot, William le Taillur, William de Hadeshagh, John son of William, and Richard Tulke, with others, felled his trees growing in his soil at Shipedham, co. Norfolk, and carried them away. [Calendar of the Patent Rolls; 12 Edward II, May 18, 1319; York] |
Note that in these entries the traditional Norman "de" preceeding the family name has been dropped, and the name has taken the form of a modern family surname for the first time.
Richard Curlu of Norfolk apparently held the office of coroner.
Richard Curlu of Norfolk apparently held the office of coroner.
To the sheriff of Norfolk. Order to cause a coroner for that county to be elected in place of Richard Curlu, deceased.
[Calendar of the Close Rolls; June 8, 1319; York] |
In medieval times the coroner was an office of importance, appointed by the king, similar in role to the Sheriff. The coroner was not only responsible for investigating and recording inquests relating to deaths, but also functioned as a general sort of legal record keeper and tax collector. Legal proceedings, including those involving a death, were a source of great income for the king by means of stiff fines imposed on those involved. The king's Royal Court of Law, or "General Eyre", would circulate the kingdom, occasionally appearing in each locale to check up on things. The Court were essentially legal and financial auditors, ensuring that the king's power was being effectively exerted locally. It was the coroner's duty to keep records of all the legal proceedings that occurred in his jurisdiction, in support of the Royal Court's activities.
In 1322, the Sheriff of Leicester was ordered to arrest John Curly of Carleton (Curlieu) and his brother Henry. This order is found among a list of individuals who stood against the king during the "Despenser War", a revolt of the Barons, led by Thomas the Earl of Lancaster, and Parliamant against Edward II and his favored allies, the Despenser family.
In 1322, the Sheriff of Leicester was ordered to arrest John Curly of Carleton (Curlieu) and his brother Henry. This order is found among a list of individuals who stood against the king during the "Despenser War", a revolt of the Barons, led by Thomas the Earl of Lancaster, and Parliamant against Edward II and his favored allies, the Despenser family.
To the sheriff of Hereford. Order to enquire by inquisition and otherwise of all the footmen of that country who went armed to the king's contrariants and rebels who lately held the town of Gloucester, and to cause the said footmen to come to the king, as suitably armed as they were at that time, at the expense of the county, in order to stay in the king's service, as the king understands that footmen of that county went to the rebels at Gloucester at the maintenance of the county.
[Calendar of the Close Rolls; 15 Edward II; February 16, 1322; Gloucester] Order to the sheriff of Leicester to pursue, arrest and cause to be kept safely in prison until further order William Trussel, knight, Edmund his brother, William son of William Trussel, Thomas Mochet of Petlyng, Walter le Arblaster, Henry Astel, Robert Julian, Thomas de Kelyngworth, Simon Lyndriche of Leycestre, John his brother, John Geryn of Leycestre, William his brother, Richard le Gardiner, John Curly of Carleton, Henry his brother, Robert de Weston, John de Fryseby, Thomas de Wolvardynton, parson of the church of Lombham, William, parson of the church of Hekedon, Henry, son of the parson of Wystowe, Ralph de Stanlowe, Oliver le Waleys, Nicholas de Lucy, John de Staunford and William de Rothewell, taking with him, if need be, a posse of his county, and to take into the king's hand all lands, goods and chattels of the said William and others and to keep the same safely, so that he answers for the issues thereof in the chamber. [Calendar of the Fine Rolls; 15 Edward II; February 28, 1322; Coventry] |
A similar order is given to the sheriffs of Leicester and Warwick on March 9 to arrest John Curly of Carleton and his brother Robert.
The like (order to pursue, arrest, and imprison) to the following:
. . . The sheriff of Leicester and Warwick, for Simon de Lyndryk and John his brother of that county, John Geryn and William his brother, Edmund Trussel, William son of William Trussel, Robert son of Simon de Weston, John Curly of Carleton and Robert his brother, Walter Lalblaster, and Thomas Muchet of Petlyng. [Calendar of the Close Rolls; March 19. 1322; 15 Edward II; Caldwell] |
Later that same year after the power struggle was resolved in favor of King Edward, John was released from prison as a poor man, paying no fine.
The following, taken and impeached for the causes aforesaid, have been delivered by grace of the king for God: -
. . . John de Manston, William de Foston, Roger le Sergeaunt, Hugh de Ledes, John Curleu, John de Marston, John de Cumberhall, John le Wodeward, Robert de Redynges and William de Fordham, poor men, have sworn to be of good behavior and have departed quit for God. [Calendar of the Fine Rolls; 1322; 16 Edward II] |
In the 1300's, the Curleys begin to appear in records more generally spread across all England, no longer concentrated mainly around the estate homes in Warwickshire and Leicestershire. Many of these records relate to criminal activity and pardons. The reference to those killed "before the coronation" suggests that some of these "crimes" probably relate to the violent rebellion against Edward II, those crimes then being pardoned when Edward II was overthrown by his son and wife, Edward III and Isabella of France.
Commission to Edmund de Hemmegrave, Thomas de Bavent and Peter Gernegan to deliver the gaol of Dunwich of John son of Warin de Bliburgh, John Fyket, Adam Togod of Dunwich, John le Latoner, John son of Alexander de Beclys, William de Seyntfeyth, Richard Deneys, Richard Leuesone, Roger Totelyne, Adam Curlu, Augustin Ille, Henry de Kyngeshawe, Richard de Kyngeshawe, Roger de Batesford, and Simon Hamondeys, in custody there for the death of William de Brom, late parson of the church of St. Peter, Dunwich.
[Calendar of the Patent Rolls; 17 Edward II; March 30, 1324; Westminster] Thomas son of John Curlu of Surflet for the death of Isabella daughter of Hubert le Miller of Surflet, killed before the coronation. (Listed among those granted a general pardon with the condition of serving in the war against the Scots.) [Calendar of the Patent Rolls; 1 Edward III, May 29, 1327; York] Pardon to John le Curly of Carlton Curly, who lately aided the king when he took the field against certain rebels, for the death of Robert Norman of Gouteby before the coronation; with general pardon. [Calendar of the Patent Rolls; 3 Edward III; April 6, 1329; Wallingford] Exemplification, at the request of John le Curly of Carleton Carly, of Westminster, letters patent, dated 6 April, 3 Edward III., which have been accidentally lost, being a pardon for the said John. [Calendar of the Patent Rolls; 6 Edward III; Sept. 14, 1332; Westminster] Presentation of John Curly of Carleton, chaplain, to the vicarage of the church of Uphavene in the diocese of Salisbury, void by the resignation of Robert de Rothele, and in the king's gift by reason of the temporalities of the abbot of St. Vandrille in Normandy being in his hands on account of his war with Philip, who calls himself king of France. [Calendar of the Patent Rolls; 12 Edward III, Oct 8, 1338; Kennington] |
The 1332 Lay Subsidy Roll for Lincolnshire lists a John Curle, possibly the same John Curly mentioned above.
Curlys continue to appear in criminal court records through the 1300's spread across England.
Curlys continue to appear in criminal court records through the 1300's spread across England.
The like (commission of oyer and terminer) to Richard de Kelleshull, Robert de Causton and Robert Clere, Westminster, on complaint by Ralph, earl of Stafford, and Andrew Ansem of Suthflete that John le Saltere, John de Crosdale, John Aliene, John Curlu, John Balle, the elder, John Balle, the younger, Augustine Aylyeth, John de Est, Geoffrey Saltere, John son of John Saltere, William Porkere, Richard Browestere, Simon Saresson, Thomas Kyppyng, Eborard Bataill, John Grunnok, Thomas de Irmynglond, Peter Hawys, John Leche, Peter Koc, Thomas Cook, John Yevan, William Brake, William Storme, parson of the church of Styvekeye, Robert Turtevill of Styvekey, John Ork of Merston, Michael Ruddok, Robert Hert, John Pawe, John Cardun, John Hoppere, Simon Hoppere, Andrew Hoppere of Merston, Richard Storme of Brunham, Simon Mone, John de Burgh, Hugh Mirield, Walter Gruggon of Brunham, Richard de Framyngham of Cokethorp, Thomas Gyles, Randolf Ropere, Randolf Crisp, chaplain, John Boly, Simon Veutre of Cokethorp, John de Ekles of Langham, Philip Baret, John de Heydon, William Fullere, John Coupere, Reynold Guntyng, John Gerveys of Langham, Simon Grygge of Holcham, Geoffrey Saundres, Thomas Sylk, Simon Sylk, John Sylk, Richard Jolif, John Spellere, Roger Hendry of Holcham, Thomas Storm of Blakeneye, John Brygeman of Blakeneye, Adam Hoberd of Cley, Adam Wolsten of Cleye, Richard Mundy of Wyghton, Robert atte Tounesend, John Drye, Richard Lek, John de Blaketon, Thomas de Walden, Peter atte Mille, William Howelyn, Geoffrey Ram of Wyghton, John de Reynham and others, carried away their goods at Welles, Warram and Styvekey, co. Norfolk.
[Calendar of the Patent Rolls; 26 Edward III, January 28, 1352; Westminster] By inquisition taken by virtue of a royal commission before John Fray, one of the barons of the Exchequer, and returned into the Exchequer, it was found that William Rechard of London alias Richard Curlewe of London, 'patenmaker', John Nongle of Kensale, co. Mounsterre, Ireland, 'laborer,' William Pollerbeche of Acton Burnell, co. Salop, 'chapman,' John Neweman, late of London,'skynnersman,' and John Laghton of Ireland, alias of Oxford, co. Oxford, 'scholer,' were recently indicted for divers felonies and, being charged severally before divers justices of the king appointed to deliver his prisons of the counters of the late sheriffs of London, were committed, as clerks convict, to William, bishop of London, ordinary of the place, to be kept in his prison at Storteford, co. Hertford, called 'Bysshope prison,' whence on Wednesday being Conception day,7 Henry VI, they feloniously escaped. Where upon process was made against the said bishop in the Exchequer and he was adjudged by the barons to be charged with the following fines for the escapes, viz. — 100l. each for Curlewe and Neweman, 80l. each for Nongle and Pollerbeche and 66l. 13s. 4d. for Laghton, making 426l. 13s. 4d. in all. Afterwards on petition by the bishop to the king and council, shewing that five convicted or attainted clerks had escaped from his prison whilst he was on embassy abroad for the king, but had been recaptured by the fresh suit and labour of the said bishop and his officers and at great cost, he was granted on 26 April, 7 Henry VI, a respite for ten years of payment of the fines for the escapes; but without the names of the said convicted clerks being mentioned, so that the respite cannot be allowed at the Exchequer. Now therefore the king, by advice of his council, grants to the said bishop such respite for the escapes of the five clerks above named. [Calendar of the Patent Rolls; 8 Henry VI; July 12, 1430; Westminster] |
A "paten" is a sort of wooden thick soled sandal, typically worn over top of a soft leather slipper, to protect oneself from the rough pavement and pervasive filth of a medieval city.
A Walter Curle resided in East Greenwich:
A Walter Curle resided in East Greenwich:
By letters patent, dated 7 July, 6 Henry VI, the king granted to Richard Colswayn, for whom John Fekenham of London, 'brewer', and William Seeford of London, 'tymbermonger' were sureties, the custody of a messuage, a cottage, a garden, and of 1 acre and 3 roods of land in Estgrenewych, co. Kent, held of Henry V in chief, which came to his hands by reason of John Sentory, having purchased and entered them without the king's licence, from Whitsuntide then past for ten years, rendering therefor 6d. a year, the extent, and 12d. as increment. But afterwards a petition was presented by Richard Goldeswayne and Ellen his wife, stating that Walter Curle of Estgrenewych, since deceased, was seised of the premises in his demesne as of fee, and granted them to the said John Sentory and Joan his wife, and the heirs of their bodies, with reversion to himself and his heirs. They died without such heir, and the premises, by the form of the gift, should have descended to the said Ellen as kinswoman and heir of the said Walter, that is to say daughter of Joan, his daughter; the premises being held of Thomas Ballard by the service of 2 1/2d. a year and not of the king. But the petitioners are prevented from having possession by colour of the grant to the said Richard Colswayn, which they prayed might be annulled. A writ of scire facias was issued to the sheriff of the county for the said Richard Colswayn to appear in Chancery and shew cause to the contrary, and the sheriff returned that he had commanded William Bukke, bailiff of the liberty of the prior of the house of Jesus, Shene, to whom the execution of the writ belonged, to warn the said Richard Colswyn, who answered that he had done so by William Chaundeller, Thomas Ferrour, Walter Ladde and Thomas Heman, but he made default, and judgment was given in the Chancery for the letters patent in favour to be annulled, which is done accordingly.
[Calendar of the Patent Rolls; 11 Henry VI; November 25, 1432; Westminster] |
Robert Curle, a chaplain, is listed as a witness to a land deed in Bury St. Edmunds of Suffolk County.
Inspeximus and confirmation to the warden, convent and brethren of the house of friars minors of Babewell by Bury St. Edmunds of the following:
(1) letters patent dated at Bury St. Edmunds, 26 February, 25 Henry VI. (2) letters patent of Richard, duke of York, earl of March and Ulster, lord of Wiggemore and Clare, dated at Fodrynggay castle, 6 March, 27 Henry VI, inspecting and confirming (i) a charter of Gilbert de Clare, earl of Gloucester and Hertford, dated at Desynynge, St. Damasius the Pope, 1265, granting to the said friars all his area lying westward on the ruin of Babwell mill, to enclose the same: and (ii) a, charter of the said duke of York, witnessed by Thomas, lord of Scales, William Oldehall, knight, the duke's councillor and chamberlain, Andrew Ogard. knight, Walter Devreux, knight, John Barre, knight, Edmund Mulso, knight, Robert Conyers, knight, William Drury, knight, John Wynkefeld, esquire, John Denston, esquire, Thomas Yonge, Edmund Wyehyngham, Thomas Geddyng, John Clopton, esquires, Robert Curle, chaplain, and others, and dated at Bury, 28 February, 25 Henry VI, granting to the friars in frank almoin 10 acres of land and 10 acres of meadow in Fornham All Saints and Fornham St. Martin, co. Suffolk; and confirming to the same the said area, to enclose and surround with dykes so that within the dykes and without, six feet in breadth, they may plant and uproot willows, oaks, and other trees and divert the common water course through the premises, and plough, sow, reap and surround with dykes the said land and meadow, reserving three feet in breadth within and without the dykes for divers kinds of trees; not withstanding letters of the duke in favour of Robert Bowre. For 1/2 mark paid in the hanaper. [Calendar of the Patent Rolls; 27 Henry VI, March 18, 1449; Westminster] |
Jack Cade, calling himself John Mortimer, headed a revolt against King Henry VI in 1450, leading an army of men from Kent. The rebels marched on London, becoming a disorganized band of rioters and looters. The residents of London turned against the rebels and forced them from the city, with the violence climaxing in a battle at London Bridge. To put an end to the rebellion, the kind issued a pardon for the rebels and ordered them to return home. Two Curleys are listed among the rebels who received a pardon.
General pardon to John Mortymer, at the request of the queen, Westminster, though he and others in great number in divers places of the realm and specially in Kent and the places adjacent of their own presumption gathered together against the statutes of the realm to the contempt of the king's estate ; and if he or any other wish for letters of pardon, the chancellor shall issue the same severally. The like to the following: -
. . . Robert Mertyn of Wye, John Rose, William London, Thomas Wyllok and John Curle of Wye, co. Kent, and all others in that town. . . . Thomas Cornyssh, Thomas Wayte, Robert Bernard, Thomas Wodam the elder, Richard at Hille, John Stonache, John Hawkyn, Thomas Cowlande, John Cornyssh, William Bekener, John Baddekokke, John Ramme, William Blacche, John Barbour, John Chylde, John Fordom, John Tanner, Thomas Bekener, Thomas Wodam the younger, Richard Fawse, John Grove, Barnabas Fawse, John Whitlokke, John Wronggey, Robert Blacche, John Gyne, John Artour, John Turnour, John Wryght, William Turnour, John Davenyssh, Thomas Turnour, William Turnour, John Swetyng, William Bykener the younger, John Brede, Thomas Wyllynghale, John Creuch, William Everard, Thomas Smyth, John Colop, 'clerk', John Colop, 'tayler,' John Deve, John Davenyssh the younger, John Arwaker, John Lewgor, John Goodyeve, John Meller, John Warenger, Adam Blacche, John Brewer, John Newman, Simon Curlewe, Thomas Bedell, John Wagge, William Ramme, John Edeward, William Blacche the younger, John Roper, John Hille and Nicholas Thomasservantcornyssh, all of Great Waltham, co. Essex. [Calendar of the Patent Rolls; 28 Henry VI; July 7, 1450; Westminster] |
In the 1400's records begin to be more numerous, especially with some churches starting to have registries available from this time onward. Below is a list of Curleys gathered from a general survey of various sources. Most of these records are collected from church registries, some from wills or probate records, and a few from the Court of Chancery records. This list is by no means comprehensive. But it provides a broad view of the surname's spread throughout England, and the first appearance of various spellings and name forms. The available records are sparse and scattered, so the absence of recorded Curleys in a certain area should not lead one to conclude that no Curleys were present. This may simply reflect a dearth of records from the time and place. While many of these English Curleys likely descend from the Norman Curlieu family, one should not assume that all do. A significant number of these probably have other ancestries of unknown origin, and some are likely immigrants from Scotland and Ireland, especially those having the Mac name prefix.
Richard Curluwe, 1406-1457, London
Ricardus Curlewe, a Freeman of York, 1430 or 1431, York, Yorkshire John Curle, 1459-1466, Kent Richard Curle, died 1470 John Jekkys Curle, died 1471, Heygham, St. Bartholomew, Norco, Norfolkshire William Curle, died 1471, Eastchurch, Sheppey, Kent John Curleys, 1473, Fodryngey, Norfolkshire Henry Curle, died 1476, Sibertswold (Shepherdswell), Kent John Curle, died 1480, Sibertswold (Shepherdswell), Kent Richard Curle, died 1484, Cranbrooke, Kent Henry Curle, Court of Chancery, 1486-1493, 1504-1515, Kent William Curleys, 1490, Norwich, Norfolkshire Richard Curle, died 1498, Huntingdon S. Ben, Lincolnshire John Curle, Court of Chancery, 1500-1501, Southamptonshire William Curlew, died 1504, St. Mary Magdalene, Bermondsey, London John Curlew, died 1529, Colne Engaine, Essex Robert Curle, died 1529, Shepherdwell, Kent William Curle, Court of Chancery, 1538-1544, Hertfordshire James Kyrle, Court of Chancery, 1538-1544, Herefordshire Joan Kyrle, Court of Chancery, 1538-1544, Herefordshire John Kyrle, Court of Chancery, 1538-1544, Herefordshire Marion Kyrle, Court of Chancery, 1538-1544, Herefordshire Philip Kyrle, Court of Chancery, 1538-1544, Herefordshire Richard Kyrle, Court of Chancery, 1538-1544, Herefordshire Thomas Kyrle, Court of Chancery, 1538-1544, Herefordshire Thomas Curle, died 1541, Brixton, Isle of Wight Thomas Kyrle, Court of Chancery, 1544-1547, Herefordshire Johannes Curl, baptized 12 Jan 1546, Newport, Hampshire Agnes Curly, baptized 12 Dec 1547, Halifax, St. John the Baptist, West Yorkshire John Curle, Court of Chancery, 1547-1551, Somerset Thomas Kyrle/Kerle, Court of Chancery, 1547-1551, Gloucestershire William Curle, Court of Chancery, 1553-1555, Buckinghamshire Walter Kyrle, Court of Chancery, 1553-1555, Herefordshire Thomas Kyrle/Kerle, Court of Chancery, 1556-1558, Herefordshire Dionisius Curley, baptized 1557, Saint John the Baptist, Croydon, Surrey Johana Kerley, baptized Jan 1558, Warwick, St. Nicholas, Warwickshire Thomas Curle, died 1559, Brykyndonne (Brickendon), Hyrtford (Hertford), Hertfordshire William Curley, 1559, Sacombe, Huntingdonshire Richard Kerley, died 1559, St. Mary's Warwick, Warwickshire Jane Curle, baptized 14 Nov 1560, St. Andrew, Middlesex William, Walter, and Margarett Kirley, baptism 1560, Somerset Richard Curle, died 1563, Winchester, Hampshire Abella Curley, daughter of Jogis, baptized 1563, Halifax, St. John the Baptist, Yorkshire Johes. Kerley, married 1564, Melton-Mowbray, Leicestershire John Curle, died 1566, Cheshunt, Hertford, Hertfordshire Spicer Curley, married 1566, Mirfield, St. Mary, Yorkshire Agnes Curley, married 1567, Halifax, St. John the Baptist, Yorkshire Henry Curle, died 1567, Brixton, Isle of Wight Elizabeth Kirley, baptized 1567, Bruton, Somerset Dennie Curley, son of John, baptized 1568, Halifax, St. John the Baptist, Yorkshire Helena Kirley, daughter of Johes, baptized 1568, Handsworth, St. Mary, Staffordshire Chrystover Curle, died 1569, London Syslay Kerley baptized 1569, St. Andrew, Holborn, London Aaron Curley, married 1573, Halifax, St. John the Baptist, Yorkshire John Curlew, died 1574, Broxbourne, Hertford, Hertfordshire Robert Kerley, married 1574, Lyminster, Sussex William Kirley, baptized 1574, Bruton, Somerset George Curley, baptized 1575, Warwick, St. Nicholas, Warwickshire Adam Curley, married 1576, Burstock, Dorset Agins Curley, died 1579, Oldham, St. Mary, Manchester Jane Curley, daughter of Thomas, baptized 1580, Kingsclere, Hampshire Alice Kerley, married 1580, Berwick St. John, Wiltshire Margere Curley, daughter of John, baptized 1581, St. Mary, St. Denys and St. George, Manchester Mawdlyn Curley, married 1581, St. Dunstan and All Saints, Stepney, Middlesex Dorathy Kerley, baptized 1581, Lyminster, Sussex William Curlewe, died 1582, Rawreth, Essex Diomzea Curley, daughter of Roberti, baptized 1583, Silkstone with Stainborough, All Saints, Yorkshire Edborrow Kerley, married 1583, Shrewton, Wiltshire William Kirley, died 1583, Combe Bissette, Wiltshire Suffield Curley, baptized 1584, Oldham, St. Mary, Lancashire, Manchester Thomas Kerley, baptized 1584, Lyminster, Sussex Mary Kerley, daughter of Henry, died 1585, St. Olive, Bermondsey, Surrey, Southwark Dorothy Kirley, married 1585, Mere, Wiltshire Margarett Kirley, married 1585, Bruton, Somerset Kerley, 1586, St. Mary's, Warwick, Warwickshire Themis Curley, died 1587, Oldham of St. Mary, Lancashire, Manchester Alice Kerley, baptized 1587, Lyminster, Sussex Fortunatus Kerley, baptized 1587, Tortington, Sussex Thomas Curles, died 1588, London Johanes Curley, son of Roberti, baptized 1588, Silkstone with Stainborough, All Saints, Yorkshire Arthur Kerley, baptized 1590, Lyminster, Sussex James Kerly, baptized 1590, Croston, Lancashire William Curley, baptized 1591, Salford Priors, Warwickshire Joan Curlew, daughter of William, baptized 1592, Winfrith Newburgh, Dorset William Curlewe, married 1592, Winfrith Newburgh, Dorset Richard Kerley, baptized 1592, Lyminster, Sussex Joanna Kirley, married 1592, Melton-Mowbray, Leicestershire Isabel Curlew, died 1593, Broxbourne, Hertford, Essex Anderye Curleys, married 1593, St. Michael Bassishaw, London John Curle, son of Johanis, baptized 1595, All Saints, Edmonton, Middlesex Marks Curle, died 1595, Bishoppes, Sutton, South Hampton, Hamptonshire Dainell Curley, married 1595, St. Mary, Newington, Surrey Edward Curle, died 1596, Bedmynster, Brushforde, West Weston, Somerset William Curle, son of Johanis, baptized 1596, All Saints, Edmonton, Middlesex Elizabeth Curlle, son of John, baptized 1596, St. Lawrence Pountney, London John Kerley, baptized 1596, Lyminster, Sussex Alexader Curle, died 1597, Wainfleet, Lincolnshire James Curle, baptized 1597, St. Giles, South Mimms, Hertfordshire Ralph Curle, son of Johanis Curle, baptized 1597, All Saints, Edmonton, Middlesex Thomas Kerly, married 1598, Cloford, Somerset Elizabeth Curle, baptized 1599, St. Andrew, Middlesex Robert Kirley, baptized 1599, Mells, Somerset Thomas Currle, died 1600, Somerset Judith Curle, married 1601, St. Andrew, Middlesex William Curle, son of Beolagh, baptized 1601, Darrington with Wentbridge, West Yorkshire Jone Curle, married 1602, St. Andrew by the Wardrobe, London John Curley, baptized 1602, Oldham, St. Mary, Manchester Alice Kerley, married 1602, Mirfield, St. Mary, West Yorkshire Henry Kerley, died 1602, Leigh, St. Mary, Manchester William Curle, died 1603, Enfeild, Middlesex Anne Curley, married 1603, Croydon, St. John, Surrey Cicelye Curle, married 1604, Ham, Kent Willia Curle, married 1604, St. George the Martyr, Surrey Anne Kirle, died 1604, Horsley, Gloucestershire Marie Kirley, died 1604, Mere, Wiltshire Hester Curle, baptized 1605, St. Saviour, Denmark Park, Surrey Judeth Curlle, daughter of John Curlle, baptized 1605, St. Lawrence Pountney, London Bartholomew Kerly, married 1605, Horton, Dorset Peter Kerley, died 1606, Farncham, Dorset Anna Curle, baptized 1607, St. Andrew, Middlesex James Curle, married 1607, St. Giles, Cripplegate, London John Curley, died 1607, Sutton, Brixton, Isle of Wight Thomas Kerley, married 1607, Milborne St. Andrew, Dorset John Kerly, married 1607, Downton, Wiltshire Martheres Curle, daughter of Richard, baptized 1608, Ilmington, Warwickshire John Kerley, son of John, baptized 1608, Charminster, Dorset John Kerly, baptized 1608, Redgrave, Suffolk John Kerley, baptized 1609, Charminster, Dorset Dorothy Kerly, married 1609, Tollard Royal, Wiltshire Janne Curly, daughter of John, baptized 1610, Collegiate Church of St. Katherine by the Tower, London Alice Kerley, daughter of John, baptized 1610, Dorset John Curlew, son of Andrew, baptized 1611, St. Andrew, Holborn, London James Kerley, son of John, baptized 1611, Charminster, Dorset Sevill Kerly, baptized 1611, Portesham, Dorset Martha Kirley, married 1611, Lydlinch, Dorset Agnes Kerle, died 1612, Lyminster, Sussex Robert Kerle, died 1612, Lyminster, Sussex Edith Kerly, married 1612, Cranborne, Dorset Thomas Kerly, died 1612, Henbury, Gloucestershire Agnes Kirley, died 1612, Mere, Wiltshire Ellin Curle, died 1613, Bishporte (Bedminster), Somerset Francis Curle, married 1614, London Mary Curle, widow of Henry, died 1614, London Thomas Kerley, died 1614, Gussage, St. Michaell, Dorset Maria Kerly, daughter of Willi, baptized 1614, Tanworth in Arden, Warwickshire Michaell Kerley, married 1616, Sittingbourn, Kent Alice Kerly, married 1616, Lyminster, Sussex Alice Kirley, baptized 1617, Shropshire Margaret Kirley, baptized 1617, Mere, Wiltshire William Curle, died 1618, Hatfield, Hertford, Hertfordshire Millicent Kerley, married 1618, Boulton-Upon-Deme, York, Nottinghamshire Thomas Kerley, married 1618, Martin, Wiltshire Gom? Kirley, died 1618, Kirkham, Lancashire Ralph Curle, died 1619, Cheshunt, Hertford, Hertfordshire Joan Curlew, died 1619, Standon, Hertford, Essex Mary Kerley, baptized 1620, Lyminster, Sussex Elizabeth Curley, baptized 1622, Coventry, Holy Trinity, Warwickshire Thomas Kerly, married 1622, Lamb's Chapel, Monkwell Street, London Richard Kerley, married 1623, Bere-Regis, Dorset Robert Kerley, baptized 1623, Lyminster, Sussex Elizabeth Curlew, died 1624, Ipswich, Suffolk Thomas Curle, died 1625, Alfriston, Sussex Emmott Curley, baptized 1625, Coventry, Holy Trinity, Warwickshire Jonas Kirley, died 1625, St. Dunstan, Stepney, Middlesex John Kerley, baptized 1626, St. Philip and St. Jacob's, Bristol, Gloucestershire William Curley, married 1627, Stinsford, Dorset Charles Kerly, son of Robert, baptized 1627, Okeford Fitzpaine, Dorset Rob Curle, died 1628, Muckton, Lincolnshire Richard Curley, baptized 1628, Tysoe, Warwickshire William Kirley, married 1628, St. Giles, Cripplegate, London Alice Kerley, baptized 1629, Lyminster, Sussex John Kirley, married 1629, St. Martin, Ludgate, London Rebecca Kerley, baptized 1630, Saint Clement Danes, Westminster, London John Curle, died 1631, Arlington, Sussex Joane Kerley, married 1631, Thorncombe, Dorset Richard Kerlie, died 1632, Oving, Sussex John Kerly, son of Robert, died 1632, Okeford Fitzpaine, Dorset Mary Kerly, died 1632, Cranborne, Dorset Anne Curle, daughter of William, baptized 1633, Effingham, St. Lawrence, Surrey Joan Curlu, married 1634, Britford, Wiltshire Margery Kerly, baptized 1634, Bere-Regis, Dorset Maria Kirley, married 1634, Almondbury, All Hallows, Yorkshire Johes Curlew, married 1635, Swyre, Dorset Robert MacKerley, married 1635, St. Dunstan and All Saints, Stepney, Middlesex Christor Kerley, died 1636, St. Andrew, Holborn, London Edward Kerley, married 1636, Christchurch, Hampshire John Kerley, died 1636, Leigh, St. Mary, Manchester John Kerly, son of Edward, baptized 1636, Christchurch, Hampshire Jonathan Kerly, died 1636, Milborne St. Andrew, Dorset Thomas Kerly, son of James, baptized 1636, St. Benet Paul's Wharf, London Ursula Kerly, died 1636, Milborne St. Andrew, Dorset Nora Curle, married 1637, of St. Andrew, Holborn, London Joseph Curlew, son of Joseph and Agnes, baptized 1637, St. Botolph, Aldgate, London Rebeckah Kerley, died 1637, St. Mary, Whitechapel, Tower Hamlets, London Joseph Curlew, 1638, St. Botolph, Aldgate, London Leues Curley, 1638, St. Botolph, Aldgate, London Maria Curley, daughter of William and Anne, baptized 1638, Grandborough, Warwickshire Aynetha Kerley, died 1638, Gillingham, Dorset Joane Kerly, baptized 1638, Bere-Regis, Dorset William Kerly, son of John, baptized 1638, Christchurch, Hampshire Thomas Curle, died 1639, Horncastle, Lincolnshire Daniell Curley, baptized 1639, Lewes, Sussex Ann Kerly, daughter of Edward, baptized 1639, Christchurch, Hampshire Charitie Kerly, daughter of John, baptized 1640, Christchurch, Hampshire Elizabeth Kerly, married 1640, Pimperne, Dorset Joane Kerly, baptized 1640, Bere-Regis, Dorset Katherine Kirley, married 1640, St. Dunstan and All Saints, Stepney, Middlesex Alice Kerly, daughter of Edward, baptized 1641, Christchurch, Hampshire Alis Kerly, married 1641, Christchurch, Hampshire Anne Kerly, daughter of Edward and Elizabeth, baptized 1641, Little Packington, Warwickshire Martha Kerly, baptized 1641, Charing, Kent Agnis Kerly, daughter of John, baptized 1642, Christchurch, Hampshire John Kirley, baptized 1643, St. Botolph, Bishopsgate, London Edward Kirley, baptized 1648, Hemingbrough, Yorkshire Phillipps Kirley, son of Joanne, baptized 1648, Horton, Dorset Hum Kerley, baptized 1650, St. Giles, Cripplegate, London Anne Kerley, married 1652, All Hallows, London Wall, London Edward Curle, died 1653, Batcumbe, Somerset Anne Kirley, son of Henry and Joane, baptized 1653, Horton, Dorset Edward Curle, died 1654, St. Gregorie (Gregory) by St. Paules (Paul's), London Elizabeth Curle, died 1654 Gotehurst, Somerset Hugh Curle, died 1654 John Curle, died 1654, Burnham, Norton, Norfolkshire Jone Kirley, wife of Richard Kirley, died 1654, Ashmore, Dorset William Curle, died 1655, Thornecrafts, Brixton, Isle of Wight Richard Kirle, died 1655, Woodcots, Handly, Dorset Edward Curle, died 1656, St. Stephen, Walbrook, London John Kirley, baptized 1656, Kirkham, Lancashire William Kirley, baptized 1656, St. Giles, Cripplegate, London Wiliam Curle, died 1657, Subberton, South Hampton, Hamptonshire Christopher Curle, died 1658, Burnham, Sutton, Norfolkshire Robert Curle, died 1658, Shipdham, Norfolkshire Thomas Curle, died 1659, Swanborne, Buckinghamshire Elizabeth Curle, died 1660, Subberton, South Hampton, Hamptonshire Robert Curley, 1660, St. Mary Matfellon als. Whitechappell, Middlesex John Curle, died 1665, Middlesex Mary Kerley, died 1665, Ibberston, Dorset Mary Kerly, died 1665, Sturminster Newton, Dorset William Kerley, died 1671, Cranborne, Dorset Walter Kerly, died 1671, Iwerne Minster, Dorset John Curle, died 1675, Freshford, Somerset Elizabeth Curle, died 1679, St. Mary Magdalene Bermondsey, Surrey Nicholas Curle, died 1679, Anthony, Devonshire Martha Kerley, died 1679, Tarrant Gunville, Dorset Charles Kerley, died 1685, Lidlinch, Dorset John Kerle, died 1686, Westmonnkton, Somerset William Kerley, died 1687, Hazelbury Bryan, Dorset John Kerley, died 1691, East Orchard, Dorset Richard Kerley, died 1691, Stourprovost, Somerset James MacKerlah, married 1713, Croston, Lancashire Daniel McKerley, married 1744, London Sarah McCurle, married 1749, St. Pauls, Shadwell, London Henry McCurley, married 1779, London Ann McKirley, baptized 1796, Lancashire |
English Kerley of Dorsetshire
Modern England hosts a population of Kerleys from Dorsetshire. Some of this lineage were early settlers in the American colonies, so that a significant fraction of today's Kerleys, Kearleys, and Cearleys in the States descend from this lineage. This lineage of Dorsetshire could possibly be related to the Norman Curlieus or the Scottish Kerleys, but there's not yet enough data to draw any firm conclusions.
French Corlieu of Angoumoi
A Corlieu lineage of France appears to descend from the Curlieu English family. Documented in the "Nobiliaire Universel de France" by Nicolas Viton de Saint-Allais, this family migrated from Yorkshire, England, with the original English name of Curlieu/Curlew. Thomas Corlieu, Captain of Archers, came to France in 1417 during the Hundred Years War with the Duke of Clarence and captured castle Gourville near Angoulême, Angoumoi, where he remained after marrying the heiress of the castle.
This family's coat of arms is very similar to the heraldry of Curlieu/Curli/Curle/Kyrle families remaining in England. The heraldry is thoroughly discussed in the "Heraldry" section of this website.
Some American families bearing the name Corlieu and Corlew probably descend from this French family. DNA testing of one such individual reveals a distinct genetic lineage, unrelated to either the Irish Curleys or English Kerleys.
There may also be modern lineages in France which descend from the original Norman branches which never moved to England. Descendants of this lineage might reasonably have the surname of Curlieu or Corlieu, or Americanized versions of Curlew or Corlew.
This family's coat of arms is very similar to the heraldry of Curlieu/Curli/Curle/Kyrle families remaining in England. The heraldry is thoroughly discussed in the "Heraldry" section of this website.
Some American families bearing the name Corlieu and Corlew probably descend from this French family. DNA testing of one such individual reveals a distinct genetic lineage, unrelated to either the Irish Curleys or English Kerleys.
There may also be modern lineages in France which descend from the original Norman branches which never moved to England. Descendants of this lineage might reasonably have the surname of Curlieu or Corlieu, or Americanized versions of Curlew or Corlew.
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