Show ContentsHobwoode History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The ancestors of the name Hobwoode date back to the days of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name is derived from their residence in the settlement of Hopwood in the county of Lancashire. The surname Hobwoode belongs to the large category of Anglo-Saxon habitation names.

Early Origins of the Hobwoode family

The surname Hobwoode was first found in Lancashire at Hopwood, a township, in the parish of Middleton, union of Bury, hundred of Salford. "A family of the local name was seated here for many centuries, probably from Saxon times. "

"In 1359, Adam de Hopwood was one of the inquisition at Preston held before Thomas de Seton and others, justices, to determine a dispute between Henry, Duke of Lancaster, and Roger de la Warre. "

"On the death of Dr. Robert Hopwood, in the early part of the eighteenth century, when the family became extinct, the estates passed to the Gregges, who assumed the additional name of Hopwood. Hopwood Hall is an old-fashioned house, pleasing in aspect and agreeable in situation, with tolerably extensive pleasure-grounds, tastefully laid out." 1

William de Hopwood, de Hopwode was listed in Cheshire in the 13th century and in the Assize Rolls for Lancashire in 1298. 2

Early History of the Hobwoode family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hobwoode research. Another 104 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1298, 1379, 1587, 1615, 1752, 1813, 1818 and 1819 are included under the topic Early Hobwoode History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hobwoode Spelling Variations

Hobwoode 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. Many variations of the name Hobwoode have been found, including Hopwood, Hopwoods, Hipwood, Hapwood, Hobwoods and many more.

Early Notables of the Hobwoode family

Notables of this surname at this time include: James Hopwood (1752?-1819), English engraver, born at Beverley in Yorkshire about 1752, who took to engraving at the age of forty-five, as a means of supporting a family of six children. "By industry he succeeded in engraving and publishing two plates, on the strength of which he came to...
Another 57 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Hobwoode Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Hobwoode 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 Hobwoodes to arrive on North American shores: Edward Hopwood was one of the founders of Salem Massachusetts in 1630; Joe Hopwood settled in Barbados in 1635; Mathew Hopwood settled in Virginia in 1663..



  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  2. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)


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