The Bewleys of Cumberland and my Family History

Mao

Since retiring in 1996 I have leisurely and enjoyably, researched my family history in the archives at Carlisle Castle using their excellent, free and friendly service. The purpose of this site is to open up my research to others who have an interest in the Cumberland Bewleys, all are welcome to make use of my material.

My early family research was based on an excellent publication by Sir Edmund Bewley of Dublin, a descendant of the Hesket and Caldbeck Bewleys in Cumberland, who proved to the satisfaction of the Ulster King at Arms that his family are directly descended from the original Cumberland De Beaulieu families.  His family and direct descendants are now entitled to use the family Coat of Arms with the motto - 'Glory is the Reward of Valor'

My research, back to 1717, did not prove a direct link to Sir Edmund and the De Beaulieu families but his work concludes that all Bewleys, indigenous to Cumberland, are likely to have emanated from the original De Beaulieu families of the 14th century.   

To summarise, within the context of this project, Sir Edmund Bewley of Dublin established that: -

A De Beaulieu was a member of the retinue of Philippa of Hainault when she married King Edward III at York on 24th January 1328.

Queen Philippa bestowed lands in Cumberland and Yorkshire on a de Beaulieu and at about the same time the name de Beaulieu made its first appearance in Cumberland.•

Bewley is the anglicanised form of the French name de Beaulieu which originated from the Latin – Bellus Locus – a fair place.

The first mention of a de Beaulieu in Cumberland was in 1332 when Thomas de Beaulieu of Thistelthuaite and Roger de Beaulieu of Blencarn were nominated as collectors of taxes in an Act of Parliament.

The picture above is of Thistlewood, Highbridge, Dalston (formerly Thistelthuaite) Click to enlarge

Researched, Designed and Maintained by Frank Edward Bewley.  Last reviewed 01.12.12.