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Origins Available: |
| England |
The Anglo-Saxon name Hodlay comes from the family having resided in East Hoathly (Hoathley) or West Hoathly (Hoathley), parishes in Sussex. "Of the truth of this derivation there can be no doubt." 1
Of the two, West Hoathley is the oldest, dating back to 1121 when it was known as Hadlega. East Hoathley dates back to 1287 when it was known as Hodlegh. Both literally mean "heathy woodland clearing" or "woodland clearing where heather grows." 2
The surname Hodlay was first found in Sussex, where William de Hodlegh was listed in the Subsidy Rolls in 1296. 3
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hodlay research. Another 63 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1616, 1643, 1676, 1678, 1705, 1706, 1711, 1746, 1757, 1761, 1776 and 1798 are included under the topic Early Hodlay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Hodlay has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Spelling variants included: Hoadley, Hoadly, Hodly, Hoadely, Hodely and others.
Distinguished members of the family include Benjamin Hoadly (1676-1761), Bishop of Bangor, Hereford, Salisbury and Winchester, who was born in Westerham, Kent. John Hoadly, Archbishop of Armagh [q. v.], was his brother.
Benjamin Hoadly (1706-1757), was an English physician, son of Benjamin Hoadly, Bishop of Winchester [q. v.] and was born on 10 February 1706 in Broad Street, London.
John Hoadly (1711-1776), was an English poet...
Another 65 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Hodlay Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Hodlays to arrive on North American shores: John Hoadley, who sailed to New England in 1640 and Mrs. Hoadley, to San Francisco with her children in 1860.