The origins of the Hoddelay name lie with England's ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It comes from when the family lived 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 Hoddelay 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 Hoddelay research. Another 63 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1616, 1798, 1676, 1761, 1706, 1757, 1706, 1711, 1776, 1711, 1676, 1761, 1678, 1746, 1678, 1676, 1761, 1643 and 1705 are included under the topic Early Hoddelay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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 Hoddelay were recorded, including 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 Hoddelay Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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 Hoddelay family emigrate to North America: John Hoadley, who sailed to New England in 1640 and Mrs. Hoadley, to San Francisco with her children in 1860.