Brierley History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Brierley or a variant listed above:

Brierley Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

• Thomas Brierley, aged 31, who landed in New York in 1808 3
• Byron, Joel, John, Matthew, Robert, Thomas, and William Brierley, who arrived in Philadelphia between 1832 and 1868

Brierley Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

• Mr. Luke Brierley, British Convict who was convicted in Lancaster, Lancashire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Commodore Hayes" in April 1823, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 4
• Mary Brierley, English convict from Lancaster, who was transported aboard the "Arab" on December 14, 1835, settling in Van Diemen's Land, Australia 5
• Mr. James Brierley, English convict who was convicted in Lancaster, Lancashire, England for 14 years for house breaking, transported aboard the "Bengal Merchant" on 24th March 1838, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he died in 1851 6
• John Brierley, English convict from York, who was transported aboard the "Anson" on September 23, 1843, settling in Van Diemen's Land, Australia 7
• Mr. Henry Brierley, English convict who was convicted in Manchester, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Bangalore" on 1st January 1850, arriving in Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia 8
• ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

• Harold Brierley, American business and marketing executive focused on loyalty programs
• Marc Brierley (b. 1944), English singer songwriter
• Roger Brierley (1935-2005), English actor, best known for his work on A Fish Called Wanda (1988) and Superman II (1980)
• Walter Henry Brierley (1862-1926), English architect in York, responsible for over 300 buildings, founder of Brierly Groom is a York architecture company
• Benjamin Brierley (b. 1986), English-born, German international rugby union player
• Benjamin Brierley (1825-1896), English weaver and writer
• Captain Henry Brierley, House Governor, London Hospital
• Jack Brierley (1911-1984), Australian rugby league footballer who played in the 1930s
• Ryan Brierley (b. 1992), Scotland international rugby league footballer who plays as a goal-kicking scrum-half or stand-off
• Saroo Brierley (b. 1981), Indian-born Australian businessman and author who, at age five, was accidentally separated from his biological mother; his autobiographical story A Long Way Home, which received critical acclaim
• ... (Another 4 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)