Walesby History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

Walesby is a name that was carried to England in the great wave of migration from Normandy following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Walesby family lived in Lincolnshire, in the parish of Welby.

Early Origins of the Walesby family

The surname Walesby was first found in Lincolnshire at Welby, a village and civil parish in the South Kesteven district, historically in the union of Grantham, wapentake of Aswardhurn. The place name was first listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 at Wellebi 1 and literally meant "farmstead or village by a spring or stream," from the Old English word "wella" + the Old Scandinavian word "by." 2

A far as the surname is concerned, while there is no doubt the family came from this local, there is question about the original progenitor. One reference cites that John, the Lord of Castleton, around the time of William Conqueror's invasion of England in 1066 A.D. and another cites Sir Thomas Welby, who held the manor of Frieston with Poynton Hall c. 1216. 3

Sir William Welby was also listed as possessing property between 1307 and 1327. He married the heiress of Multon of Multon and that became the principal family seat until the end of the 16th century. 3

Robert Waldby (d. 1398) was an English divine, Archbishop of York and claims descent from Waldby, near Hull. "John Waldby (d. 1393?), was English provincial of the Austin friars, and wrote a number of expository works still preserved in manuscript in the Bodleian and other libraries, is said to have been a brother of Robert Waldby. " 4

Early History of the Walesby family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Walesby research. Another 163 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1216, 1307, 1397, 1471, 1492, 1561, 1570, 1572, 1573, 1574, 1592, 1636, 1638 and 1801 are included under the topic Early Walesby History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Walesby 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 Walesby were recorded, including Welbey, Welby, Welbie, Welbye and others.

Early Notables of the Walesby family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was several who were Sherriffs of Lincolnshire, beginning with Roger Welby in 1397; followed by Richard Welby in 1471, Thomas Welby in 1492, and Richard Welby in 1561. John Wilbye (c.1574-1638), was an English madrigal composer and "probably a native of the eastern counties, where the name was common. A John, son of John Wilbye or Milbye, was baptised in St. Mary's, Bury St. Edmunds, 15 Jan. 1572-1573; and another John, son of Thomas Wilbye, on 27 Sept. " 4Henry Welby (d. 1636), was the English author of 'The Phoenix of these late Times,'...
Another 105 words (8 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Walesby Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Walesby family to Ireland

Some of the Walesby 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 Walesby 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 Walesby arrived in North America very early: Alice Welby who settled in Virginia in 1654; George Welby, who settled in Massachusetts in 1630; and Mrs. Welby, who settled in San Francisco Cal. in 1853..

The Walesby 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: Sorte contentus
Motto Translation: Content with one’s lot.

Citations +

Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
Shirley, Evelyn Philip, The Noble and Gentle Men of England; The Arms and Descents. Westminster: John Bower Nichols and Sons, 1866, Print.
Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print