Show ContentsSiddeley History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Siddeley family

The surname Siddeley was first found in Kent where the family had three distinct branches: Sedley of Aylesford; Sedley of Great Chart; and Sedley of Southfleet. The oldest appears to be William Sedley of Southfleet who was High Sheriff of Kent in 1546. Aylesford dates back to the Britons when it was called Saissenaighobail, in commemoration of their having here defeated the Saxons; and by the latter, after their settlement in the country, Eaglesford, of which the present name is a corruption. [1]

In 1240, Ralph Frisburn, on his return from the Holy Land, founded a Carmelite monastery, under the patronage of Richard, Lord Grey, of Codnor: many parts of the building are entire, though the greater portion of the site is occupied by a mansion erected by Sir William Sedley, and now the residence of the Earl of Aylesford.

Early History of the Siddeley family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Siddeley research. Another 149 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1588, 1597, 1600, 1618, 1621, 1623, 1627, 1638, 1639, 1641, 1656, 1657, 1665, 1673, 1692, 1695, 1701, 1702, 1710, 1717, 1722, 1730 and 1737 are included under the topic Early Siddeley History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Siddeley Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Sidley, Sidlie, Siddley, Siddlie, Sydley, Sydlie, Syddlie, Syddley, Sedley, Sedlie and many more.

Early Notables of the Siddeley family

Distinguished members of the family include William Sedley (c.1588-1618), 1st Baronet of Aylesford in Kent; John Sedley (c. 1597-1638), 2nd Baronet; Henry Sedley (c. 1623-1641), 3rd Baronet; William Sedley, 4th Baronet (died 1656); Sir Charles Sedley, 5th Baronet (1639-1701), an English wit, dramatist and politician, Speaker of the House of Commons; and his daughter, Catherine Sedley, Countess of Dorchester, Countess of Portmore (1657-1717), known for her wittiness and sharp tongue; Charles Sedley (c. 1695-1730), 1st...
Another 74 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Siddeley Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Siddeley migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Siddeley Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • William K. Siddeley, aged 25, arrived in New York in 1894 aboard the ship "Etruria" from Queenstown & Liverpool [2]
Siddeley Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • John Davenport Siddeley, aged 53, originally from Kenilworth, England, arrived in New York in 1920 aboard the ship "Imperator" from Southampton, England [2]
  • John Davenport Siddeley, aged 57, originally from Kenilworth, England, arrived in New York in 1924 aboard the ship "Aquitania" from Southampton, England [2]

Contemporary Notables of the name Siddeley (post 1700) +

  • John Davenport Siddeley (1866-1956), Baron Kenilworth, founder of Siddeley Autocar Company in 1902, which later became Armstrong Siddeley and Hawker Siddeley


The Siddeley Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Deo patria tibi
Motto Translation: For God, country, and yourself.


  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  2. Ellis Island Search retrieved 15th November 2022. Retrieved from https://heritage.statueofliberty.org/passenger-result


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