Henry Strangeways (abt. 1245 - abt. 1270)

Born about 1245 in Lancashire, England

Descendants

Died about 1270 at about age 25 in England

Biography

The surname of STRANGWICK is a variant of the name STRANGWAYS and was of the locational group of surnames meaning one who came from Strangeways, a place in County Lancashire. The name was derived from the Old English word STRANGGEWAEC, literally meaning the dweller by the river with a strong current. The names of habitation, which are the largest group, usually denoted where the original bearer of the name held and perhaps owned his land. These local surnames derive (with a few occasional exceptions) from English, Scottish or French places, and were originally preceded by a preposition such as 'atte' or 'bye'. The earliest local surnames of French origin are chiefly from Normandy, particularly from the departments of Calvados, Eure, Seine-Inferieure and La Manche, although some Frenchmen, arriving in England early acquired surnames from English places. Local names may derive from the manor held, the place of residence, and occasionally from a sign like an Inn or Tavern, or a particularly unusual shape of rock, hill, tree, stream or river. Early records of the name mention James Strangwishe, who was documented in 1450 in County Lancashire. Anna Strangwish appears in 1513, and Martin Strangways of Strangeways in Manchester is in record in the year 1527. John Strangwayes and Gertrude Cutson were married in London in 1546.(No church given) Giles Strangwaies of County Dorset, registered at Oxford University in the year 1589, and John Strangewayes of Dorset, enroled there in 1601. The bulk of European surnames in countries such as England and France were formed in the 13th and 14th centuries. The process started earlier and continued in some places into the 19th century, but the norm is that in the 11th century people did not have surnames, whereas by the 15th century they did. The associated coat of arms is recorded in Sir Bernard Burkes General Armory. Ulster King of Arms in 1884. Registered at Melberrie Stamford, County Dorset. (Strangways). The name is also spelt Strangeway, Strangeways and Strangways.

Sources

• http://trees.ancestry.ca/tree/14229084/person/1583945139