| ![Show Contents]() Awdry History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Early Origins of the Awdry familyThe surname Awdry was first found in Wiltshire where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor. After the Battle of Hastings in 1066, William, Duke of Normandy, having prevailed over King Harold, granted most of Britain to his many victorious Barons. It was not uncommon to find a Baron, or a Bishop, with 60 or more Lordships scattered throughout the country. These he gave to his sons, nephews and other junior lines of his family and they became known as under-tenants. They adopted the Norman system of surnames which identified the under-tenant with his holdings so as to distinguish him from the senior stem of the family. After many rebellious wars between his Barons, Duke William, commissioned a census of all England to determine in 1086, settling once and for all, who held which land. He called the census the Domesday Book, 1 indicating that those holders registered would hold the land until the end of time. Hence, conjecturally, the surname is descended from the tenant of the lands of Norton, held by William de Audrieu, a Norman Baron from Audrieu near Caen in Normandy who was recorded in the Domesday Book census of 1086. Early History of the Awdry familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Awdry research. Another 103 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1183, 1830 and 1902 are included under the topic Early Awdry History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Awdry Spelling VariationsBefore 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 Awdry family name include Awdry, Audrey, Audrie, Awdrie, Awdree, Audree and many more. Early Notables of the Awdry familyOutstanding amongst the family at this time was - the Awdry family of Wiltshire
 Awdry migration to the United States | + |
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 Awdry family to immigrate North America:
Awdry Settlers in United States in the 17th Century- Mr. Humfrey Awdry, aged 21, who arrived in Virginia in 1635 aboard the ship "Thomas" 2
| Awdry migration to Australia | + |
Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include: Awdry Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century- Mr. Joseph Awdry, English convict who was convicted in Wiltshire, England for life, transported aboard the "Enchantress"on 6th April 1833, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 3
| Historic Events for the Awdry family | + |
- Mr. C D Awdry (b. 1922), English Lieutenant-Commander serving for the Royal Navy from Portsmouth, Hampshire, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 4
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Awdry migration to the United States 
Awdry migration to Australia 
England
Scotland
