Sawley History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Early Origins of the Sawley family

The surname Sawley was first found in Cornwall where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor of Penrice.

"The manor of Penrice has for many generations belonged to the ancient family of Sawle. The founder of this family came from Normandy with William the Conqueror. He was probably placed in these parts after the Conquest, under the Earl of Moreton, to command those troops which were kept on foot to awe the people into submission to the Norman authority. For it appears, that prior to any records which are now extant, some branches of this family had taken up their residence at Towan, in this parish, and also in some parts of Devonshire; in both of which counties this name has long been known, and as long associated with wealth and power. At what particular time the Sawle family first became inhabitants of Penrice, their present seat, it is difficult to ascertain. It is certain that this has been the place of their abode for many generations." 1

Mention is made of the family at St. Austell Church in the parish of St. Austell.

"There are some marbles erected to the ancient family of Sawle, particularly one to the memory of John Sawle, Esq. who died in 1715, and Trevanion Sawle, his son, who died in 1714; this is the most elegant one in the church. There is also another that is less superb, erected to the memory of John Sawle, Esq. the last male heir of that ancient family, who died in 1789. This was erected by his maiden sister, Mrs. Mary Sawle, the last survivor who retained the name." 1

Early History of the Sawley family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Sawley research. Another 163 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1079, 1142, 1149, 1162, 1510, 1544, 1585 and 1600 are included under the topic Early Sawley History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Sawley Spelling Variations

Cornish surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. The frequent changes in surnames are due to the fact that the Old and Middle English languages lacked definite spelling rules. The official court languages, which were Latin and French, were also influential on the spelling of a surname. Since the spelling of surnames was rarely consistent in medieval times, and scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded rather than adhering to any specific spelling rules, it was common to find the same individual referred to with different spellings of their surname in the ancient chronicles. Moreover, a large number of foreign names were brought into England, which accelerated and accentuated the alterations to the spelling of various surnames. Lastly, spelling variations often resulted from the linguistic differences between the people of Cornwall and the rest of England. The Cornish spoke a unique Brythonic Celtic language which was first recorded in written documents during the 10th century. However, they became increasingly Anglicized, and Cornish became extinct as a spoken language in 1777, although it has been revived by Cornish patriots in the modern era. The name has been spelled Sawle, Sawley, Saule, Sauley, Sawlly, Sawlley, Sawlle, Saully and many more.

Early Notables of the Sawley family

Another 30 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Sawley Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Sawley migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Sawley Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

George Sawley, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Charles Kerr" in 1840 2
Jane Sawley, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Charles Kerr" in 1840 2
Sarah Sawley, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Charles Kerr" in 1840 2
James Sawley, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Charles Kerr" in 1840 2
Harriet Sawley, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Charles Kerr" in 1840 2
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Citations +

Hutchins, Fortescue, The History of Cornwall, from the Earliest Records and Traditions to the Present Time. London: William Penaluna, 1824. Print
State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) CHARLES KERR 1840. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1840CharlesKerr.htm