Show ContentsBrenchley History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Brenchley family

The surname Brenchley was first found in Kent at the village name Brenchley, a village and civil parish in the Borough of Tunbridge Wells. The name is generally believed to have been derived from "Branca's Leigh." Another reference claims the name is from the Anglo-Saxon word "Braenca" who lived in a clearing or "leagh." The village dates back to William the Conqueror and was listed as lands that were bequeathed to Richard FitzGilbert, his cousin.

Early History of the Brenchley family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Brenchley research. Another 164 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1327, 1400, 1455, 1487, 1510 and 1600 are included under the topic Early Brenchley History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Brenchley Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Brenchley, Benchley, Brenchesly, Brenshley, Brenshly and many more.

Early Notables of the Brenchley family

Distinguished members of the family include

  • the Brenchley family of Kent


Australia Brenchley migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Brenchley Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Daniel Brenchley, English convict from Kent, who was transported aboard the "Agincourt" on July 6, 1844, settling in Van Diemen's Land, Australia 1

Contemporary Notables of the name Brenchley (post 1700) +

  • Edgar "Chirp" Brenchley (1912-1975), English Olympic former ice hockey player
  • Julius Lucius Brenchley (1816-1873), English explorer, naturalist and author from Kent
  • Chaz Brenchley (b. 1959), English author
  • Peter Brenchley (b. 1936), former Australian rules footballer


  1. State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2014, November 24) Agincourt voyage to Van Diemen's Land, Australia in 1844 with 226 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/agincourt/1844


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