Astbury History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Early Origins of the Astbury family
The surname Astbury was first found in Cheshire at Astbury, a parish, chiefly in the union of Congleton, consisting of the townships of Eaton and Somerford-Booths in the hundred of Macclesfield. 1
This parish dates back to 1093 (shortly after the Norman Conquest in 1066) when it was known as Astbury and literally meant "east manor or stronghold." 2 However, another source claims the parish meant "east castle or fort." 3
Early rolls show that William de Astbury was listed here in Cheshire in the Assize Rolls of 1287. 4
Early History of the Astbury family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Astbury research. Another 60 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1455, 1487, 1688, 1690, 1720 and 1743 are included under the topic Early Astbury History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Astbury Spelling Variations
The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Astbury has been spelled many different ways, including Astbury, Astbry, Astbrey, Asprey, Aspry, Astbray, Astburie and many more.
Early Notables of the Astbury family
Distinguished members of the family include
- John Astbury (1688-1743), an English potter credited with innovations and improvements in earthenware associated with Staffordshire figures...
Astbury migration to the United States +
Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Astburys to arrive in North America:
Astbury Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
- John and Edward Catherton Astbury, who were recorded in Sacramento County, California between 1866 and 1871
- Thomas W. Astbury, who was naturalized in Philadelphia in 1877
Astbury migration to Australia +
Emigration to
Australia followed the
First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:
Astbury Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
- Mr. Samuel Astbury, English convict who was convicted in Stafford, Staffordshire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Eden" on 30th September 1848, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Island) 5
Contemporary Notables of the name Astbury (post 1700) +
- Michael John "Mike" Astbury (b. 1964), English former professional football goalkeeper who played from 1980 to 1991
- Andrew Astbury (b. 1960), English two-time gold, silver and three-time bronze medalist freestyle swimmer who competed in the 1970s and 1980s
- Sir George Astbury, English Justice of the Peace, of Backford, Chester
- Ian Astbury (b. 1962), English Rock singer, front man from "The Cult"
- William Thomas Astbury (1889-1961), English physicist and molecular biologist
- Rob Astbury (1948-2017), Australian television sports journalist and real estate agent
- Thomas "Tommy" Astbury (1920-1993), Welsh professional footballer
- Lieutenant-Commander Frederick Wolfe Astbury (1872-1954), British businessman and Conservative politician
- Sir John Meir Astbury (1860-1939), British judge and politician
- Alan Astbury FRS, Canadian physicist, professor emeritus at University of Victoria, director of the Tri-Universities Meson Facility (TRIUMF)
- ... (Another 3 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Citations +
- Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
- Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
- Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
- Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
- Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 15th November 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/eden