Porrey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Wales
Ireland
Scotland

The ancestors of the Porrey family brought their name to England in the wave of migration after the Norman Conquest of 1066. They lived in Hampshire. Their name, however, is a reference to the Old English word perie, meaning pear tree, and indicates that the original bearer of the name lived near such a landmark. 1 "A branch came to England [in] 1066, and Matilda de Perer was mother of Hugo Parcarius, who lived temp Henry I." 2

Early Origins of the Porrey family

The surname Porrey was first found in Hampshire where they were originally descended from Norman Perree who was granted lands in Hampshire and recorded in the Domesday Book in 1086 as a tenant in chief 3, the name also appeared on the Roll of Battell Abbey. 4

From this earliest record, the family moved throughout Britain. Henry de Peri (de Piri) was listed in the Pipe Rolls of Staffordshire in 1176 and then in the Assize Rolls of Staffordshire in 1199. Richard Pirie was listed in the Pipe Rolls of Kent in 1198 and William de la Purie was listed in the Assize Rolls of Somerset in 1243.

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 list: Walter atte-Pyrie in Oxfordshire; Roger de la Peyre in Cambridgeshire; and Richard de la Pirie in Oxfordshire. 1

By the 16th century, some of the family had moved to Scotland as seen by Donal Pery who was tenant of Uthircloy, Ardmanoch in 1504. 5

Early History of the Porrey family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Porrey research. Another 89 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1327, 1381, 1392, 1560, 1570, 1573, 1608, 1617, 1635, 1669, 1670, 1693, 1698, 1732, 1739, 1742, 1743, 1780 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Porrey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Porrey Spelling Variations

Before 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 Porrey were recorded, including Perry, Perrie and others.

Early Notables of the Porrey family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Henry Perry or Parry (1560-1617), Welsh scholar, born at Greenfield, Flint, descended from Ednowain Bendew, founder of one of the fifteen tribes of North Wales. John Perry (1670-1732), was an English civil engineer and traveller, second son of Samuel Perry of Rodborough, Gloucestershire. In 1693 he superintended the repair of the Montague in Portsmouth harbour. Charles Perry (1698-1780), was an English traveller and medical writer, a younger son of John Perry, a Norwich attorney. Between 1739 and 1742 he travelled in France, Italy, and the East, visiting Constantinople, Egypt, Palestine...
Another 95 words (7 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Porrey Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Porrey family to Ireland

Some of the Porrey family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 82 words (6 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 Porrey family

The 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 Porrey arrived in North America very early: Thomas Perry who settled in Virginia in 1635; Elizabeth and Edward Perry settled in Virginia in 1637; Eben Perry settled in Boston Massachusetts in 1767 with his wife and two children.

The Porrey Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Recte agens confido
Motto Translation: While acting uprightly I am confident.

Citations +

Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
Burke, John Bernard, The Roll of Battle Abbey. London: Edward Churton, 26, Holles Street, 1848, Print.
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)