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The History of the Plumley Name Documents such as the Doomsday Book have survived for 1000 years, providing us with excellent material with which to trace the history of a surname. Extensive study of these ancient records reveal this surname, Plumley, to be of Anglo Saxon origin. The first record of the Plumley surname was found in Derbyshire where they were anciently seated as Lords of the Manor. The Saxon influence of English history diminished after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The language of the courts was French for the next three centuries and the Norman ambience prevailed. But Saxon surnames survived and the family name was first referenced in the year 1235 when Alexander Plomley held estates in that shire.
During research it was noted that the Plumley surname was spelled in different ways including Plumley, Plumbley, Plumbleigh, Plomley, Plombley, Plumblie, and these variations would occur even in references to the same person. In order to explain this phenomenon we must look back to some of the earliest documents written in English. IN the 14th century Geoffrey Chaucer, author of Canterbury Tales, would spell “told” as “ytold” and “tolde” because at this time spelling rules did not truly exist.
The history of the Anglo-Saxons gives us insight into the early history of the people bearing the Plumley surname. The Saxons were originally from Germany and began to settle in southeastern England in about the year 400 A. D. The Angles, another Teutonic tribe, occupied the east coast, north of the Saxons. The Angle and Saxon culture became intertwined as time passed.
During this period the Plumley family was found in Derbyshire where they were anciently seated. Later, in Cheshire they were seated at Great Budworth, and later in Devon, where George Plumleigh was seated in 1642. Of this latter branch, those interested in further research of the early history of the surname we recommend the ancient Harleian Manuscripts which are in the archives of the British Museum. These Manuscripts are a Catalogue of the Herald’s Visitations between 1510 and 1600 et.seq. Some histories go back to the Magna Carta Barons and earlier to Hastings. This distinguished surname Plumley of Dartmouth in Devon is recorded in MS 1080 (fo 206) and others. Meanwhile, the mainline in Derbyshire was continued through William Plumley in 1275. From their early beginnings, for the next few centuries, the family name also acquired other estates or manors as branches established themselves thoughout England, including Cornwall at St. Mabyn and Lancashire. Several major conflicts, the Wars of the Roses, the Cromwellian found them sometimes to be in opposing camps with conflicting interests. Many changes in spelling the surname were accidental, some were deliberate, to declare a cause, or to distance a branch from the main stem. Sir Richard Plomley was knighted in 1633. He was Captain of the King’s ship “Antelope”. Distinguished members of the family include Plumley of Derbyshire.
During the medieval period domestic trouble was common in England, however, conflicts tended to be localized. Later, the succession of the Stuarts witnessed the beginning of political problems which effected almost everyone. Conflicts between the king and parliament, and between the Catholics and the Protestants, along with plague and the great fire in London, made the 17th century a turbulent time.
Families settled in Ireland for a variety of reasons. Some went voluntarily, while others were exiles. The name Plumley may well have arrived in Ireland with the “Cromwellian Aventurers for Lane,” in the 17th century. At this time, 1,000 acres of land was available to settlers in Ulster for £300, and in Leinster for £600.
The problems at home forced many families to consider beginning a new life in the Americas. Yet the New World presented difficulties never faced before. Unfamiliar soils, climate, and diseases meant that colonists had to adapt or perish. Several of the early English attempts at colonizing North America met with disaster.
Migrants bearing the Plumley surname, or a variant spelling of this name, include Many settlers were recorded from the mid 17th century in the great migration from Europe. Migrants settled in the estern seaboard from Newfoundland, to Maine, to Virginia, the Carolinas, and to the islands.
Canada came in to being during this period of empire building. The first European colonists to come to Canada were of French origin. However, in 1763 Canada was ceded to the British. Soon after this the first large group of English speaking migrants arrived in Canada, known as United Empire Loyalists. After Confederation, Canada acquired Rupert’s Land, and this, along with other contributing factos, marked the beginning of westward expansion. Individuals bearing this surname, Plumley, have continued to distinguish themselves, including Many notable personalities of this name have contributed to the society on both sides of the Atlantic.
“As set forth by the Hall of Names”
Explanation:
Origin: English
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