Handsbay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

Early Origins of the Handsbay family

The surname Handsbay was first found in Yorkshire where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor. The Saxon influence of English history diminished after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The language of the courts was French for the next three centuries and the Norman ambience prevailed. But Saxon surnames survived and the family name was first referenced in the 13th century when they held estates in that shire.

Early History of the Handsbay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Handsbay research. Another 93 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1172, 1455, 1487, 1573, 1582, 1611, 1612, 1617, 1643, 1673 and 1750 are included under the topic Early Handsbay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Handsbay Spelling Variations

Handsbay 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: Hansby, Handsby, Hansbie, Hansbey, Handsbey and many more.

Early Notables of the Handsbay family

Distinguished members of the family include Catherine Hansby who married Sir George Wandesford (1573-1612) of Kirklington, Yorkshire. She was the daughter of Ralph Hansby of Grays Inn. Sir Ralph Hansby (d. 1643), leased Tickhill Castle, Yorkshire from King James 1st on February 13, 1611...
Another 43 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Handsbay Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Handsbay family to Ireland

Some of the Handsbay family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 60 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Handsbay family

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 Handsbays to arrive on North American shores: Rich Hanby, who arrived in Virginia in 1642; Sarah Hanby, who arrived in Virginia in 1642; Richard Hanby, a bonded passenger, who settled in America in 1774.