Show ContentsCadeburey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Cadeburey reached England in the great wave of migration following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Cadeburey family lived at Cadbury in Devon or Somerset. "There are ancient entrenchments called 'Cadbury Castle' at both the Devonshire and Somersetshire Cadburys." 1

Early Origins of the Cadeburey family

The surname Cadeburey was first found in Cadbury, a parish, in the union of Tiverton, hundred of Hayridge in Devon. "On the summit of a high hill called Cadbury Castle, is an inclosure nearly circular, consisting of a single vallum and fosse, supposed to be either of British or of Roman origin; near it some Roman coins were found in 1827." 2

Alternatively, the name could have originated in Somerset at either North Cadbury or South Cadbury. "Near the village are the remains of one of the most famous ancient fortifications in England: it was situated on the northern extremity of a ridge of hills, and was encircled by four trenches. Numerous Roman coins have been discovered; and the origin of the place may, with much probability, be ascribed to that people." 2

Literally the place name Cadbury means "fortified place or stronghold of a man called Cada." 3 The Somerset parish dates back to Saxon times when it was first listed as Cadanbyrig c. 1000. By the time of the Domesday Book in 1086, the was known as Cadeberie. 4 Hence, the family surname, is conjecturally descended William de Poilley, who would have adopted the name de Cadbury or Cadbury.

Richard Tapper Cadbury (1768-1860), a native of Exeter moved to Birmingham in 1794 where he and Joseph Rutte started a tea and coffee business. Richard's son, John Cadbury (1801-1889) took over the business and was the founder of Cadbury, the chocolate business based in Birmingham.

Early History of the Cadeburey family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Cadeburey research. Another 221 words (16 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1319, 1500, 1524, 1627, 1642, 1704 and 1808 are included under the topic Early Cadeburey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Cadeburey Spelling Variations

Before the advent of the printing press and the first dictionaries, the English language was not standardized. Sound was what guided spelling in the Middle Ages, so one person's name was often recorded under several variations during a single lifetime. Spelling variations were common, even among the names of the most literate people. Known variations of the Cadeburey family name include Cadbury, Cabbury, Cadbery, CadBerry, Cadburie, Cadebury and many more.

Early Notables of the Cadeburey family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Walter de Cadbury, a prominent 14th century property owner in London; and John Gadbury (1627-1704), an English astrologer, and...
Another 27 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Cadeburey Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Cadeburey family

To escape the political and religious chaos of this era, thousands of English families began to migrate to the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. The passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe; however, those who made the voyage safely were encountered opportunities that were not available to them in their homeland. Many of the families that reached the New World at this time went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations of the United States and Canada. Research into various historical records has revealed some of first members of the Cadeburey family to immigrate North America: Joel Cadbury who arrived in New York State in 1853.



  1. Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
  2. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  3. Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
  4. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)


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