Show ContentsSalsberey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Salsberey is a name that first reached England following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Salsberey family lived in Wiltshire, at Salisbury, from where their name is derived.

Early Origins of the Salsberey family

The surname Salsberey was first found in Wiltshire at Salisbury, a cathedral city that dates back to c. 900 when it was listed as Searobyrg. Over one hundred years later, the Domesday Book lists the place name as Sarisberie, much closer phonetically to today's name. The place name literally means "stronghold at Sorvio, " from the Old English words burgh + the Celtic name Sorviodunum. 1

Salisbury Cathedral is one of the most famous cathedrals in Britain; its spire can be seen for miles. Moreover, it is now home to pages from the Magna Carta which is on public display.

"Edward de Sarisberie, sometimes called Edward Vicecomes was a great tenant in chief in Wiltshire and other counties, at the making of the Domesday [Book]. He was a younger son of Walter de Evreux (Devereux) one of the few instances in those early times of a Norman family with a Saxon name. " 2

Early History of the Salsberey family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Salsberey research. Another 106 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1066, 1500, 1561, 1573, 1575, 1580, 1593, 1612, 1621, 1622, 1625, 1626, 1637, 1640, 1643, 1660, 1661, 1684 and 1685 are included under the topic Early Salsberey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Salsberey Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason, spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Salsberey has been recorded under many different variations, including Salisbury, Salesbury, Sallsbury, Salusbury and many more.

Early Notables of the Salsberey family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Henry Salisbury or Salebury 1561-1637?), Welsh grammarian, born in 1561 at Dolbelidr (now known as Ffynonfair) in the parish of Henllan, Denbighshire probably the youngest son of Foulke, third son of Piers Salesbury of Bachymbyd and Rug, a branch of the Salesburys of Llewenny, Denbighshire; John Salisbury (1500?-1573), Welsh Bishop of Sodor and Man, member of the ancient family settled at Llewenny in Denbighshire, whose name was frequently spelt Salesbury or Salusbury; John Salisbury (1575-1625), Jesuit and Welsh scholar, described as a native of Merionethshire, presumably a member of the...
Another 97 words (7 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Salsberey Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Salsberey family to Ireland

Some of the Salsberey family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Salsberey family

To escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Salsbereys were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: Robert and David Salisbury settled in Virginia in 1654; Roger Salisbury settled in Virginia in 1638; Richard Salisbury settled in Maryland in 1684; William Salisbury settled in Virginia in 1623.



  1. Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
  2. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.


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