{{ad}} |
|
|
The many generations and branches of the Alyward family can all place the origins of their surname with the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. Their name reveals that an early member worked as a keeper of a hall. The surname Alyward is composed of the elements hall, which denoted one who was employed at such a manor-house or hall, and ward, which was originally applied to one who was a watchman. 1
"The Domesday Book Æluuard, Aluuard, Eluuardus may represent OE Ælfweard ‘elf guard’ which is clearly represented above or OE Æðelweard ‘noble guard’ which survives as Aylward and also appears as Alward. In the 12th century the two names were confused." 2 But earlier records show "AElward and Ailward were personal names before 1086. 3
The surname Alyward was first found in Suffolk at Bury St Edmunds where the first entries for the name were singularly Aluardus (1182-1186), and Alfwardus pistor (1200-1211.) 2
The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 included entries for Bernard Aylward, Wiltshire; Beatrix Aylward, Buckinghamshire; and Alan Alward, Cambridgeshire. 4 In Norfolk, records there show John Ayleward, Norwich, 1325 and Hamond Ayleward, vicar of Swardeston, Norfolk, 1376. 5 Early Somerset records show Nicholas Alyward, 1 Edward III (during the first year of King Edward III's reign. 6
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Alyward research. Another 59 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1500, 1626 and 1669 are included under the topic Early Alyward History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Alyward were recorded, including Allward, Alward, Alwood, Allwood, Alwart, Ailward, Alyward, Aylward, Ailard, Allard, Aillard, Ailard and many more.
Another 36 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Alyward Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Another 82 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Alyward family emigrate to North America: John Alward who settled in Maryland in 1666; Andrew Alward who settled in Boston in 1849. In Newfoundland the family settled in Cape Broyl, Grand Falls and St. John's..