Show ContentsDocwray History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Docwray family

The surname Docwray was first found in Cumberland where they held a family seat on the English/Scottish border.

The name was first recorded in Dockwray, a hamlet in Matterdale in Cumberland. John de Dockwra was recorded with estates in 1332. In 1467 Robert Dockra succeeded to the estates. Isabel Dockray was listed in 1560. 1

Early History of the Docwray family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Docwray research. Another 111 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1527, 1560, 1568, 1584, 1620, 1623, 1631, 1635, 1680 and 1716 are included under the topic Early Docwray History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Docwray Spelling Variations

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 Docwray were recorded, including Dockwra, Dockwray, Dockray, Dockeray, Dockery, Dockree, Docwra, Dockreay and many more.

Early Notables of the Docwray family

Notable amongst the family name during their early history was Sir Thomas Docwra, (d. 1527) Grand Prior of Clerkenwell Priory, where he is buried. "He was descended from an old Westmoreland family, the Docwras of Docwra Hall in Kendal; but he came of a younger branch which had been for some generations settled in Hertfordshire." 2 William Dockwra or Dockwray (c. 1635-1716), was an English merchant who co-founded the first Penny Post in...
Another 72 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Docwray Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Docwray family

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 Docwray family emigrate to North America: settlers, who arrived along the eastern seaboard, from Newfoundland, to Maine, to Virginia, the Carolinas, and to the islands.



  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print


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