This ancient and interesting surname, of Anglo-Saxon origin, is a locational name from Woodleigh in Devonshire, or Woodley in Berkshire, deriving from the Olde English pre 7th Century "wudu" meaning wood plus "leah", pasture, clearing, hence "glade in a wood". The surname dates back to the early 11th Century (see below). Further recordings include Osbert de Wudeleg (1198) in the Pipe Rolls of Devonshire, and Walter de Wodeleye (1332) in the Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire. Church Records include the christening of Isable Woodley on June 10th 1560 in Woodbury, Devonshire, and the marriage of Edward Woodley to Alyce Sharpe on December 14th 1590 at St.
Michael Bassishaw, London. George Woodley (1786 - 1846) was a poet and divine. He edited the "Royal Cornwall Gazette" (1808), and was a missionary of the "Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge", in the Islands of St. Martin and St. Agnes Scilly (1820 - 1842). He was perpetual curate of Martindale (1843 - 1846), and he published poems, essays and other writings. A Coat of Arms granted to a Woodley family is black, a chevron between three silver owls, the Crest being a silver owl. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Aelfnod ate Wudeleage, which was dated 1008 - 1012, in the "Olde English Bynames of Devonshire", during the reign of King Ethelred 1st, known as "The Unready", 978 - 1016. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.
The history of the surname woodley is, like that of most surnames, a complex and fascinating journey to ancient times with the aim of unraveling the origin of woodley. We can try to trace the genealogy of the surname woodley, and in addition to the original locations of woodley, we can find out where people with the surname woodley can currently be found. Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of woodley.
It is common for surnames like woodley to become known in places far removed from their country or region of origin. Discover which ones. The mobility of people carrying the surname woodley has led to its presence in different countries, as you can verify.
The historical journey of the surname woodley can be traced back to those who were the first bearers of woodley. The history, heraldry, coats of arms, and possible nobility of the surname woodley are scattered in documents across various regions and historical periods, so it is necessary to reconstruct a complex puzzle to approach the facts from a realistic perspective. In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname woodley.
You can visit us regularly to get more information about the origin of the surname woodley, as we frequently accept significant contributions from other individuals interested in heraldry and the history of surnames. Please note that if you are in a position to provide more data about the surname woodley or any other surname and its origin, we would appreciate your collaboration with us by sending us information about the origin of woodley.
Unfortunately, it's highly probable that not all woodleys who performed notable deeds have been included in historical chronicles and records. A surname like woodley can connect a person to an illustrious lineage and a distinguished coat of arms. However, it must be kept in mind that it is individual people who, through their lives and actions, bring fame and recognition to their surnames. If you or someone you know bears the surname woodley, you could potentially build illustrious lineages through your efforts and virtues.
It goes without saying that consulting bibliographic and documentary sources is essential when accessing information about the origins of the surname woodley. We consider it highly advisable to refer to the following sources if you wish to conduct research on the surname woodley, as well as many other surnames. Accessing the archives of the town or towns where your ancestors were born and lived is, of course, a good way to trace the origins of woodley.
These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of woodley, and at the same time, of surnames in general.