| ![Show Contents]() Kembrey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 England The Norman Conquest of England in 1066 brought much change to the island nation, including many immigrants with new names. Among these immigrants were the ancestors of the Kembrey family, who lived in Leicestershire. The family name, though, is a reference to the area of Cambrai, near Falaise, in Normandy. Originally erected in the 6th century as the Diocese of Cambrai, its jurisdiction was immense and included even Brussels and Antwerp. Early Origins of the Kembrey familyThe surname Kembrey was first found in Leicestershire, where Godridius (Geoffroi) de Chambrai was awarded estates in return for his service to William the Conqueror. Wace, the Norman poet, mentions Cil de Combrai as one of the knights who challenged King Harold to come forth at Senlac in 1066 and this is probably a reference to Geoffroi de Cambrai. Early History of the Kembrey familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kembrey research. Another 248 words (18 lines of text) covering the years 1165, 1199, 1203, 1273, 1500, 1664, 1701, 1798 and 1806 are included under the topic Early Kembrey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Kembrey Spelling VariationsBefore the last few hundred years the English language had no fixed system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations occurred commonly in Anglo Norman surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Kembrey were recorded, including Cambrey, Cambray, Cambrai, Combray, Cambreye, Camray and many more. Early Notables of the Kembrey familyMore information is included under the topic Early Kembrey Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Kembrey familyThe unstable environment in England at this time caused numerous families to board ships and leave in search of opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad in places like Ireland, Australia, and particularly the New World. The voyage was extremely difficult, however, and only taken at great expense. The cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels caused many to arrive diseased and starving, not to mention destitute from the enormous cost. Still opportunity in the emerging nations of Canada and the United States was far greater than at home and many went on to make important contributions to the cultures of their adopted countries. An examination of many early immigration records reveals that people bearing the name Kembrey arrived in North America very early: Joseph Cambrey who arrived in Philadelphia in 1847.
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