These pages contain some of the history of the de Lacy family that I researched whilst writing my novels The de Lacy Inheritance, Favoured Beyond Fortune and The Circle of Fortune.
*****
The de Lacy Family
In early records the name is spelt as Laci, Lacy, and Lascy and it derives from a place now called Lassy, in the department of Calvados in Normandy. There were two men named de Lacy who came from Normandy with William the Conqueror and his army. Ilbert de Lacy who came in the train of the Conqueror himself and Walter de Lacy who came in the train of William fitz Osbern. They fought at the Battle of Hastings and they both received lands as a reward. My main interest is in the descendants of Ilbert de Lacy who was given 170 lordships, in Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, and Lincolnshire, including the honour of Pontefract. His son Robert also received the honour of Clitheroe and became lord of Bowland and of Blackburnshire. The de Lacy family held vast areas of land in England until the death of Henry de Lacy (2) in 1311 after which they reverted to the crown following the execution of Alice de Lacy’s first husband, Thomas, Earl of Lancaster. The following pages explore the stories of some of the de Lacy family in more detail:
Libby Ashworth - author 
I am descended from George Charles DeLacy who was born in New York in 1858. His father William came over from Ireland during the Great Potato Famine. Anyone know any information?
Thank you for the interesting information you have posted on your blog!
I have only recently been studying the Lacey line of my family and I am still learning!
My mother’s father, Walter Harold Lacey, an only child, moved to Canada with his parents in 1914 when he was very small, and they settled in the Alberta Prairies among his mother’s large family, the Twidale’s.
I think a few of his uncles came to Canada as well and I am still tracking down local family here in Canada.
My grandfather was born at the family farm that was rented for 3 generations in Tealby, Market Rasen in Lincolnshire and previous generations may have been from nearby the Louth area.
I have tracked down a cousin that is still farming in Lincolnshire, his mother was my grandfather’s 1st cousin, but I am still waiting to discuss family history with him.
If anyone has any information about the Lacey’s in Lincolnshire I would love to hear from you!
Hello, Elizabeth,
Thanks again for your wonderful webpage. Just a small amendment. The name of the village in Normandy is not Lassi but Lassy.
See here:https: /ensondeluz.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/todos-vuelven-al-rincc3b3n-foto-jean-turmel.jpg
This photo was taken by its mayor, Jean Turmel, when I was there in 2015. Best regards
Ramón
More about: https://ensondeluz.com/2015/10/11/trashumancias-2015-vii-normandia-lassy-y-la-saga-de-los-lacy/
Thank you for pointing that out. I will amend it.
Grandmother traced our line of Delacey back to 1140 would like to learn more interested in my blon theyodline my paternal great grandmother was a Lacey when they came to america as a result of the potato famine the de was dropped.
It sounds as if you are descended from Walter de Lacy’s line. They had land in Ireland.
We too arrived here in 1858 via the US entry point and migrated to eastern Canada. James Leacy was my great grandfather and built part of Hiway 2 connecting small Intario towns to Montreal. His daddy was the first starchmaker and had lost any semblance of being a noble. Our family after the 20s succeeded admirably as business people in Montreal. Ironically, a Leacy married a Kearney in the 40s-an Ocarherne (spelling) in Ireland slaughtered our ancestor as he was building a castle to ward off those wild Irish tribes. It was a hellish relationship as one might expect. DNA held true.
Hello Elizabeth,The de Lacys have appeared in works of fiction for a very long time.One of the most interesting is “The Betrothed” by the great Sir Walter Scott.I have an 1825 first edition of this novel.I also have another “Tales of the Crusaders” book,the much better known “The Talisman” but it’s not about the Lacys.I wondered whether you had been influenced by “The Betrothed” in your own work.It perhaps isn’t the best of Scott’s historic novels (not in the same league as the classic “Ivanhoe”) but Hugo de Lacy,Constable of Chester,is a main character and the plot revolves around him and the younger members of his family.I’m sure some followers of this page would like to read it. What’s your opinion of the book please?Would you recommend it?
I haven’t read the whole of The Betrothed, although I have plodded through Ivanhoe. Scott can be heavy going at times. My main interest in The Betrothed is Scott’s reference in the preface to the Mab’s Cross Legend. Scott said that he wished he had kept the story for a later novel rather than drawing on it for this one. The Betrothed appears to be more heavily influenced by the story of William and Mabel Bradshaw than it is by de Lacy history. The de Lacy names he mentions are fictional as the first de Lacy to be constable of Chester was Roger when he inherited from his grandmother, and the setting of the novel pre-dates this. There’s a blog on the site about the Mab’s Cross Legend and my novel An Honourable Estate, which includes the quote from Scott: https://elizabethashworth.com/2012/06/27/the-mabs-cross-legend/
The link was interesting.Thanks.I think there may be a few who (like me) would have the time and patience to read “The Betrothed”.You’re right about it being hard going for modern readers but,as with the fictional de Laceys in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”, there is something special in seeing your family name in print,especially when the author is someone of the standing of Sir Walter Scott.
My father and I traced our Lacy ancestors back fourteen generations, so Roy’s hypothesis is encouraging.In the 16th/17th centuries there were two main branches in Kent.The eastern branch near Canterbury seem to have documentary evidence showing descent from Henry de Lacy’s illegitimate son.No such luck for my western branch from the Tonbridge area.One theory is that there may be a link to the De Clare family through a Lacy junior branch.By the early 17thC my Lacys were yeomen farmers.Kent yeomen were neither gentry nor nobility,but because of the wool trade were arguably far wealthier than most of the gentry and the nobility in the rest of England.As I’ve said in a previous post,my west Kent Lacys lived for more than a century at Leeds Castle near Maidstone.Perhaps the Fairfaxes and Culpepers had a sense of history (read Tess of the D’Urbervilles).My great,great,great grandfather was still engaged in farming and the clothing industry in the 19thC.The family had farms near Maidstone and a shop in the Haymarket near Leicester Square in London.But the fact remains I can’t get back beyond Richard Lacy in the late 1500’s living at Brenchley,only 15 miles from where I live now,And,by the way,I also live only 7 miles from Battle,Ilbert,Walter,1066 and all that.It’s both wonderful and inspiring but very frustrating.
Postscript.I hope the significance of the tiny window (perhaps if you click on it you’ll see the picture) of myself with the Earl and Countess of Chester hasn’t been lost on you Elizabeth.At least one person with a 100% certain de Lacy pedigree there.
I’m not sure about that. The title has been handed out to several people over the years following ‘regime changes’. After the death of Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, many of the lands and titles were taken from his daughter Alice and handed out to ‘friends’ of Edward II and Hugh Despenser. The current earl can certainly trace his pedigree back to Edward III, but I’d be surprised to find that he has any de Lacy blood.
I believe Prince Charles and The Queen are descended from Egidia de Lacy through the Scottish Royal Family .That would ultimately take their line of descent back to Walter at the time of the Conquest.
Ah. I’m not up to speed on Walter’s line. That is interesting.
I have hit a brick wall with my Lacy’s on the northern banks of the Humber in the early 1700’s. Not sure what to do next! All your research , and Elizabeth’s, is so interesting.
There should be a DNA database for the Lacy family (perhaps there is).That would be very useful in establishing scientific evidence of our common family ancestry.
My father was also Roy A. (for Arthur) Lacy, but he is deceased. I will look into your book.
Elizabeth, I have sent Jennifer a separate comment via the de Lacy family tree on my website delacychronicles.com. For the wider readership of your site, let me admit that my middle name is Albert. A name I hated for years, but now rejoice in its many historical connections. So now rather than use Roy Lacy, I am proud to sign as Roy A Lacy.
Albert is a name that is due to come back into fashion!
Good news. I’m looking forward to taking a look at it.
Not far from Ludlow, in the Shropshire, there is Stanton Lacy, a domain given to Roger de Lacy after the norman conquest. I have been last month in Ludlow and its region and it deserves a visit!!!
Kind regards
Ramón Puig de la Bellacasa (grandson of Carmen Lacy, of the Lacy of Spain)
Thank you for your quick reply and the information that you have given me.
Hello Elizabeth Ashworth.
I have traced one branch of my family to the de Merclesden’s from the North East Lancashire area. Pietro de Merclesden was born at Barnoldswick Abbey in 1194. He also may also have been Chaplain to the de Lacy’s at Clitheroe Castle. I have found some information that he married Helena de Lacy, (1156-1228) who was born in Lincoln. She had previously been married to Geoffrey de Dutton. She had a son Peter with PdeM and a son also Geoffrey with GdeD. She was the daughter of John Fitzrichard de Lacy born 1150 who died in Palestine in 1190 whilst on the fourth Crusade. I understand John was not of de Lacy blood but adopted the name following marriage.
Are you able to enlighten me on Helena, John or maybe even Pietro.
In any case, thank you for the interesting information that you provide.
Peter Sharman
Hello Peter. I can tell you something about some of these people. John, the 6th Baron of Halton, was the son of Albreda de Lizours by her second marriage to Richard Fitz Eustace of Halton Castle in Cheshire. He never was a de Lacy. John, was killed in 1190 in Tyre during the Holy War. It was his son, Roger, who changed his name to de Lacy when he inherited the lands from Albreda, his grandmother. She was the cousin of Robert de Lacy who died without children in 1193.
Roger had a sister who was married to Geoffrey de Dutton who was the steward at Halton Castle. Some sources name her as Helen and under that name she has a very minor role in my novel The de Lacy Inheritance. However the records are vague and other sources name Geoffrey’s wife as Idonia or Alice. I have a suspicion that Alice may be the correct one.
I’m unsure about a second marriage after Geoffrey’s death although it isn’t something I’ve researched. I have heard of Pietro de Merclesden (Peter Marsden) and there is a reference to a Peter who was a chaplain, but it’s doubtful that he entered into a marriage. There’s a lot of nonsense on several of the genealogy sites, so I wouldn’t trust anything that you find there!
If I come across anything more I’ll let you know.
Hi Peter, Just spotted your post. You seem to have obtained information either directly or indirectly from Rex Marsden. Sadly I have to advise that Rex has been struggling with dementia since 2002 and most of the information he has listed prior to 1680 he has made up (though not intentionally). I have been researching the Marsden family for 30 years and there is no source material to support this data. Regards, Phil Marsden.
Thanks for your input, Phil. It’s sad to hear about Rex Marsden, but also a reminder that any facts you find need to be double checked wherever possible.
Great information, I’m also a decedent from the de Lacy family. My sister has been working on our family tree for years. If you would ever like to compare notes, I can connect you two.
I am also a descendant f the delacy family. My mom was olive delacy and she had told us kids we were related to the delacy’s of Ireland. trim castle in trim Ireland was built by them.
My name is Valerie Lacy. I live in Washington State, USA. I am also a decedent of the de Lacy’s. I have followed my family tree on ancestry.com for the last ten years and have traced it back to as far as the de Lacy’s who fought with William the Conquerer. Does anyone know what the surname of de Lacy was before it was de Lacy? I thought I found it once.
Hello Valerie. There have been various spellings of the name over the years, but the family originally came from what is now Lassy in northern France, so they would have been de Lassy or de Lassi.
Any news on your book yet, Roy? Sounds very interesting.
Hi Lynn, Sorry I have not replied to your question sooner. My proofing copy has only just been sent to me so I am making the last few corrections while sat in a hotel in the North of Scotland. The book, its name is de Lacy Chronicles, A History of the de Lacy family. On sale worldwide on Amazon at $9.99 I have created an email account at delacycronicles@gmail.com If you or anyone else on Elizabeths site wish to contact me, I will let you know the exact date and update you about the de Lacy Chronicles website which will follow in the Autumn
best wishes Roy Lacy.
Thank’s Elizabeth.
My name is Sarah De Lacy, thank you for the effort you put in to gather this information.
I have just started my ancestry search and believe I am related to the de Lacy lineage from Lassy Calvados. My grandparents and their siblings are all from Virginia, my recollection is mostly from the Roanoke area. I am very interested in information proving the Virginia Lacy’s lineage. Sounds like your book may be a good source. Where can I get it?
Tom Lacy Maryland
Roy is going to give us a shout out when his book is ready, so keep an eye open.
Hello Tom,
We would be distant cousins as my part of the family came from Virginia to Ohio around 1805. The Lacy family arrival in America is well documented. Following the on-line records back from son the father, it is easy to get to Ilbert de Lacy. As part of this lineage, you’ll find that there was a period when most every male in the line was namedThomas! (Check the records for St Margaret’s church in Westminster for a February 1650 baptism of Thomas Lacy, son of Thomas and Margarett Lacy. That Thomas and his father came to Virginia.
David Lacy
The certainty with which so many of the correspondents state they are descended from the great Anglo-Norman Lacy Family is extraordinary.My father and I researched our branch with reasonable accuracy to the 16thC then it became very difficult.Our most interesting “certain” is that our Lacys lived at Leeds Castle in Kent(Culpepper and Fairfax of American history interest) throughout the 18thC.Also certain is that our 17thC Lacy ancestors married into the Austen family of Horsmonden from which the great Jane descended.And finally that James Lacey,my father,was buried with honour at Canterbury Cathedral.That is a certainty because I was there.I would love to prove descent from Ilbert or Walter but that may,being realistic,prove impossible.
I didn’t know there was a connection with Jane Austen. That is interesting. Sadly I can’t find any personal connection to the de Lacy family. My ancestors seem to have been only the peasants who lived on their land!
Hello Michae Lacey, my name is Michael Lacey as well.
I have a book my second cousin, Garland Lacey, authored in which he seems confident that we were as well descended from the great Normans and accomplished builders. We are confident we are descended from William Lacey and Mary Partlett of Bucks County, PA. One thing that seems to tie my family to the De Lacy ancestors, although this may just be a passing of traits through genetics, is my family’s mechanical abilities, my great grandfather Hayman Lacey built the town of Waterloo, IL. As the great Normans were obviously great builders as well, this seems that it may in some way be a connection to our ancestry. I believe this ability, as well as the intelligence that continues to flow through our bloodline and that is apparent from the posts made here, established the majesty of our bloodline. It seems some how to have been lost and the honor of our name seems to have been completely cut from common knowledge, this should change. I enjoy very much seeing the passion from the descendants of the great De Lacy name. And hopefully some day we may find clear direct connections and answers to all our questions.
I have developed early Dupuytren’s disease,the so called “Viking Disease”.Suggests there may be a Lacy genetic link to the days of “What is a woman that you forsake her,and the hearth- fire and the home-acre,to go with the old grey Widow-maker?”R.Kipling
The Normans were descended from Viking stock, so perhaps it isn’t that surprising.
Hello Mike,
This is just a bit off topic but still does concern the de Lacys. My 4th Great Grandmother Martha Griffin Bacon Morrison (b. 1757) was the granddaughter of Mary de Lacy (b. 1690) in the West Indies (possibly Barbados as one of my ancestors seems to have claimed). De Lacy was Mary’s first husband’s surname; she was said to have been married to a weathly Spaniard by the name of de Lacy. I did manage to find a Lacy plantation in Barbados in the 1640’s through the early 1710’s when they seem to disappear. This I gleaned after being told to seach old maps as there were no census records to go by. I have found a list of about eight Lacy’s living there and entered what I could find about them through the Christ Church Parish and St Philip Parish records.
Mary was brought to America by Stephen Griffin of Simsbury CT. Stephen had become ill while in the West Indies and the Widow Mary de Lacy had nursed him back to health; in turn he married her and brought her to America along with her two daughters Mary and Martha. Mary later became the wife of Benoni Griffin and Martha was said to have returned to the West Indies; she made the comment that women here had to work harder than the slaves in the West Indies and wished to return.
The will of Stephen Griffin shows that he was a quite weathly man (he is said to have run the slave trade) and purportedly many of the items in his household were probably brought there by the Widow Mary de Lacy.
My question to you is this: you mention that you have done much research on the de Lacys – have you ever come across any of the de Lacy’s that had ventured in to Spain/Portugual, or for that matter, ended up in Barbadoes/West Indies? I was so hoping to find record of who her first husband may well have been.
Any information that you might be able to pass on would be greatly appreciated. Respectfully……..
You’ve done well Linda.Getting beyond the 17thC is difficult as the probability of finding accurate records diminishes.My Lacys resided in one small corner of England so I did not research further afield. I hope someone reads your query who can help.There are online references to de Lacys from the Irish branch of the family living and becoming prominent in Spain. And contributors to Elizabeth’s pages with Spanish links.All the best,Mike
Hello, I am just beginning on my journey of genealogy, researching and using tools like ancestry, Family tree etc. I am a descendant of Robert I, 2nd Baron of Pontefract. Through Henry, then Robert, then John and so on. I have tracked all the way down to Robert I’s 11th Great Grandfather (Ingvar King of Sweden Eyesteinsson born around year 616). I find it all very interesting. I ordered your book last week Elizabeth. I am excited to read it, thank you for your research.
April,
Virginia
A perhaps controversial issue raised by the book of De Lacy-Bellingary, quoted in my previous message, is on page 87. There the author deals with the ‘Wexford de Lacys’ and says:
” …the surname ‘de Lacy’, or ‘de Lacey’, especially the latter form, is often but a corrupted variant of O’ Lahassy, which, being a purely Gaelic surname, has not relation as such to the family treated in these records”
Has anybody studied this issue?
Greetings
Ramón
Dear Ramon
thank you for your input and information. It’s very interesting. Everything helps to try to shed some light on this lineage. There are DeLacy’s in Australia spelt as such. Strangely enough my great grandmother, Mary, who had 7 children and was widowed at 42 changed the spelling of our lineage to De Leacy, so half the family spells it that way and the other half as De Lacey. Not sure why she did this?? She did leave writings to the effect that her husband John DeLacey was born in Novia Scotia and was French. I think maybe he was French via Ireland or may even could have been O’Lahassy, as you indicated. It’s not the same John DeLacy as mentioned in your notes. Mary lost 2 sons on the Western Front in WW1. On the Wall of Remembrance in Canberra, one son is recorded as De Lacey and the younger son as De Leacy.. What a conundrum!
Kind regards,
Lynn Youngson (nee De Leacy)
I’m a wexford Lacey
Hi Patricia, I nearly collapsed when I saw your name as I was just talking about my mother in law with my husband, and flicking through these messages yours popped up. Patricia Ann Lacey was my late mother in laws name as you can possibly by now guess. (This was her maiden name) I just hadn’t realised there are so many Lacey’s. my husband dated his family back to approximately 1066 in this country only, as it was in an old bible given as a wedding present. Unfortunately his uncle took this after his mother’s death. Oh and they dropped the De for De-Lacey but not sure when, but with out the bigger bible we aren’t sure where to look next. Thanks for your time
Jacqueline
Through my paternal Grandmother I am a Lacey of Wexford. My cousin Mary and I have looked into this and as far as we can tell (albeit having only gone back as far as 1795) we have always been Lacey’s. There have for generations, been tales passed down of how we came to Ireland from England in the 12th Century and were once part of the Anglo-Norman nobility/gentry. However, without finding our ancestors pre-1600 as an academic I couldn’t say for sure. The Origins of the Native Irish Lacey’s are in Munster not Leinster, somewhere around the city of Limerick (I think).
However, as ever we will keep looking (which is a lot easier for my cousin as she is still in Ireland) and if anything definitive shows up either way I will let you know.
Best Wishes
Cass
Patricia & Jacqueline – We are possibly related somehow!?
Dear Lynn,
In ”The Roll of The House of Lacy. Pedigrees, Military Memoirs and Synoptical History of the Ancient and Illustrious Family De Lacy from the earliest times, in all its branches, to the present day. Full notices on allied families and a Memoir of the Brownes (Camas)”. Collected and Compiled by De Lacy-Bellingari (Baltimore 1928) I found the following mentions:
Details in page 263 concerns a branch in Australia descending from John De Lacy Evans, the older brother of the famous Sir George De Lacy Evans (born in 1787) who’s genealogy, deeds and family are described from pages 256 to 264. I resume as follows: John De Lacy Evans >> (son) Edy De Lacy, Esquire of Limerick >> (son:) John De Lacy >>… >> (descendant:) Captain John De Lacy of the Australian forces during the First World War
Details in page 336 concerns also a branch in Australia descending from Jeannie De Lacy-Norton, born in La Garthe (today Ballingary in Limerick) in 1816, and married in 1833 to Thomas Brown, Esquire of Dromin. Their daughter Mary married Mr. Orchard of Australia, ”where her descendants should still be found, John (died without issue in Australia), Jeannie (married Edward Harnett, Esquire), Helen, and Joseph (killed in United States, without issue” (page.338)
That’s it.
I hope it’s helpful.
All the best!
—
Ramón Puig de la Bellacasa
(grandson of Carmen De Lacy, of Alicante, Spain, descendant from Patrick De Lacy of Galway, arrived to Spain in 1755 with his brother David)
My maternal grandfather was John W. Tipton Lacy (can’t find what the W. was for), my great-grandfather was Alexander Selkirk Lacy, GG was John Washington (perhaps the W. in my grandfather’s name) Lacy, all of Tennessee. I think my GGG was James Isaac Philemon Lacy, all from Tennessee, next is Philemon Lacy, who moved from Virginia to Tennessee. Three or 4 generations later, it looks like Thomas Lacy came from England to Hanover, Virginia. What are your suggestions on how to research the arrival of a Thomas Lacy in Virginia? Thank you so much for sharing your research.
If you have an idea of the date you might be able to look at lists of ship’s passengers.
James Horace Lacy was owner of two plantation in Virginia-Chatham(winter manor and the summer plantation at the Battle of the Wilderness a.k.a.the seven days days battle and Stonewall Jackson’s arm is buried there within a stone’s throw from the manor. James Horace is of my kindred but I’ve not thoroughly connected him to my line but Stonewall is well documented by my late wife as her uncle from her mother’s side. It’s the very same site that’s shown on Civil War Chronicles. Philemon Lacy is from north east North Carolina. There is scant records from that period to the civil war, The federals purposefully destroyed all the records they could find as a vengeful act to obliterate the southern heritage. I’ve tracked my lineage to my GGG grandfather, Calvin (L) Lacy back to 1824-1883. I’d love to go on back to England but the records are not there. Love to hear from you.
Most of the de Lacy’s in the USA seem to be descended from Walter de Lacy and his descendants who lived in Ireland. Rather than looking at English records you may have more success researching Irish genealogy.
Kimberley, I’m wondering if my great grandfather John Edward De Lacy (also spelt De Lacey) is related. He was born in Hein Cove (?) St Johns New Brunswick Nova Scotia in 1849. His father was also called John and married Catherine Cowman from County Wexford, Ireland. My great grandfather moved to England at some point, married and then migrated to Australia. I’ve been on ancestry.com but can’t seem to get past my great great grandfather. I’ve also wondered if my great grandfather had any siblings etc. Would be wonderful to find a connection. I believe we are from the Walter de Lacy lineage.
Dear Elizabeth and others, can anyone shed any light on this part of the family history?. We are having a family reunion in Charters Towers Queensland Australia for descendants of John and Mary Delacey this August and it would be wonderful to be able to fill in some of the Nova Scotia or Irish connections.
Elizabeth I have just read your novel “The DeLacey Inheritance” and thoroughly enjoyed it.
KInd regards
Lynn
This is a great place to hear how far the de Lacy’s have gone. I have traced my lineage to Walter, we have been 4 generations in Canada and continuing. Wouldn’t have discovered any of this if it wasn’t for ancestry.com, and many hours of double checking. Nice to hear from others.
Kimberly we are Irish de Leacy descendants, Meath. Arrived in eastern Canada in 1858 via the US gateway, ignoble perhaps. My great grandfather, the son of the first immigrant established himself as a starchmaker in Cardinal, On. Jimmy Leacy was a sub contractor on the Quebec bridge and built parts of highway 2 connecting small town Ontario to Montreal. My own father, Leacy Freeman was a well known Montrealer.
Hello Pamela
your reply to Kimberley interests me.
My great-great grandfather John De Leacy moved to Nova Scotia in the 1840’s. He had married Catherine Cowman (Cowman of the Leap from County Wexford, Ireland)
My great grandfather, John Edward De Leacy was born in 1849 in a place called Jamua, Hein Cove, St John’s, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia.
Story has it that John Edward fell out with his father and went to sea. He married Mary Pigg in England on Nov 18 1876. From there in 1890 they moved to Charters Towers, North Queensland Australia. to the gold fields.
I’m wondering if you can shed any light on great-great grandfather John De Leacy’s earlier life and background should we be related.
I should add there was a confusion with the spelling of the surname for some years. Half the family spells it “De Lacey”. Mary changed it back to De Leacy after John died in 1897. My lineage is “De Leacy”.
Hope this makes sense. I’d be very appreciative if you have any information about this.
Kind regards
Lynn Youngson (nee De Leacy)
Thanks so much! Looking forward to reading the De Lacy Inheritance=)
Hi James, The de Lacys built many Castles between the 11th and 13th centuries. Without a doubt, the principle de Lacy Castle is Pontefract Castle built by Ilbert de Lacy. The first English castle built by Ilberts brother Walter de Lacy was at Weobley in Hertfordshire. Weobley Castle remained the principal base for Walters family. Walter also founded Ludlow Castle among others, along the Welsh border. It was only a satellite castle in Walter’s time. Only later did it become the Historical Castle we know to this day. If you are following the Walter de Lacy line, of even more interest to you will be Trim Castle in Ireland. Built by Walter’s grandson Hugh de Lacy Lord of Meath. Trim was the largest Norman castle built in Ireland.
Yes, I think Walter did build a castle at Weobley in Herefordshire. There isn’t much left now apart from earthworks
How fascinating! I am a LACEY and have traced my ancestry to Walter de Lacy and earlier. I’m trying to do a tour of the Lacy castles and wish I had a complete listing of them, together with their locations. If anyone has this I would greatly appreciate hearing from you.
That sounds an interesting project. The two main de Lacy castles are Walter’s Ludlow and Ilbert’s Pontefract, but they added others to their collections. Walter had possessions in Ireland too.
I have a castle list – as I have the same plan in mind! …Harley Lacy (Australia)
Hi Harley. The de Lacy family built dozens of Castles. Nearly all were Earth & Timber Motte & Bailey Castles. Where later rebuilt in stone there are still sites open to the public to visit. From Ilberts family Pontefract, Clitheroe and Denbigh. Walters family built Longtown and Ludlow Castles on the Welsh borders. In Ireland Trim Castle in Co Meath is the best example. They are all featured on my website http://www.delacychronicles.com. Pontefract, Ludlow and Trim are also featured on my Facebook page ‘de Lacy Chronicles’ together with de Lacy comments and event details.
Thank you for your interesting comments.We agree that the Norman de Lacy family was from the same location, Lassy in the Calvados region. I looked into the assumption that the name Lassy was of Gaule.romaine origin. I found no credible link other than Gaullist name similarities. My theory, based on the de Lacy family having been granted land in that area soon after 912 AD by Rollo 1st Duke of Normandy. Named their land as Lasse. In later history, the name Lacy also formed part of other de Lacy placenames, e.g., Ewyas-Lacy.
I think your theory on Lasse-Lassy is beautifully romantic, Roy, but how do you explain the other two Lassy villages in France?
I´m sorry, In fact the ‘toponimia’ of Lassy in Calvados has a Gaule-romaine origin, as well as the other two Lassy villages in Val-d’Oise and in Ille-et-Vilaine. Cfr.: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lassy.
Concerning the biography of Rollon there are more elements of legend in his origins than real historical facts. There is a lot of material on this in Normandy, but on his beginnings and his end a lot of fog.
All the best!
Hello Elizabeth,
The name de Lacy derives from an ancient Danish name ‘Lasse’ Used throughout the Scandinavian area, but most dominant in what is modern day Denmark. Ancient Norway was second but with only one third of the Danish use, of the name.
As a cross reference, the name Rollof (Rollo) was also most popular in ancient Denmark.
The opening chapter of my book ‘De Lacy Chronicles’ due for publication April/May 2016, is devoted to Lasse and his journey with Rollo from Denmark to eventually settling and establishing Lassy within Normandy.
My research on the de Lacy family ( including referring to your own excellent de Lacy research) to book readiness has taken me right through the documented history of both Illbert and Walter to the end of the de Lacy Baronial titles. To be completed is the chronicling a further twelve ‘Lacy’s’ right up to the twentieth century. Did you know, one of the top Spitfire pilots, in the Battle of Britain was a Lacy.
That it is very interesting, Roy. Let me know when the book is published. It sounds a fascinating read.
Happy to be helpful!
All the best!
Ramón
I am also of Lacey descent, specifically through my great grandmother Maggie Lacy Moffitt, whose family was from North Carolina. I have started to do research into this side of my family along with some other relatives, and i have heard that the Laceys were originally norse settlers in France from Norway or another nordic country. Can anyone confirm or deny this? The help would be greatly appreciated!
Hello Caleb, Ilbert de Lacy and Walter de Lacy who accompanied the Norman Conquest in 1066 were Norman. Although Normandy was in France, they were not, in fact, French, but descended from Viking raiders who originally came from Scandanavia. The term ‘Norman’ is a corruption of ‘Norsemen’. So, yes, it is true that the ancestry of the de Lacy family goes back to places like Norway/Sweden.
Yes, Caleb, I fully agree with Elizabeth. Nonetheless, the vikings were established in the region, called afterwards Normandy, at least from the middle of the 9th century and only when their chief Rollon promised fidelity to the King of France, Charles le Simple, in 911, it was peace and he was accepted as the first Duke of Normandy. This means that the normans, including the De Lacy, lords of Lassy, when they won the battle of Hastings in 1066, they have already had two centuries of miscegenation with previous and neighboring populations from Bretagne and France. Anyhow, some genes of the vikings must remains in us :-). In my case, born in Madrid, I’m back to the vikings land in Gothenburg, where I leave with my Swedish wife. Long travel!
Lacy, according to some sources is of Italian origin. I worked with a young Italian apprentice in Philadelphia whose name was Lacci and he was always telling me that the two names were the same. I’ve always known that Lacys came to England with William as merchants and soon began to be known as pitiless merchants. Seems that they were tagged early on as hard men to do business with. Lately, I discovered they were mostly settled in the Calvados part of France. Would love to know more.
I’ve never heard this before. I think it’s unlikely as the Lacy family took their name from the area where there lived in Calvados which was part of Normandy. There may be people descended from Italians with a similar name, but I think the two are probably separate and distinct. Ilbert and Walter de Lacy came to England as military men in William’s invading army. They were land owners and so in a higher class than merchants, although perhaps there were merchants from the same area who were using the name.
Hello, Elizabeth!
Wonderful work! Thanks!
My maternal grandmother was Carmen Lacy (Alicante, Spain). Her ancestors came from Ireland. I have cousins who keep the family name at first place, but in my case the family name Lacy is just at the fourth place behind my christian name. Nevertheless, through reading a book that my grandmother owned (“The Roll of the House of Lacy”, by The Lacy-Bellingari, Baltimore, Higginson Book Company, 1928) I become interested in this long saga (my mother and his brother are the last of the Spanish Lacy branch mentioned on the book).
This summer I visited Lassy in Calvados, Normandie, and I had a nice long meeting with the major, Jan Turmel, who has received many letters in English from Lacy’s people, specially from Canada, but he cannot read English. One day maybe, we will organize a Lacy families meeting in Lassy!
I include the link to my blog article (in Spanish with photos) concerning my visit:
http://ensondeluz.com/2015/10/11/trashumancias-2015-vii-normandia-lassy-y-la-saga-de-los-lacy/
All the best !
Ramón Puig de la Bellacasa (… Alberola, Blanco, Lacy)
Thank you for the link to your website and the photos of Lassy. I have never been to the town so it was interesting to see what it was like to day and to see the names of Walter and Ilbert included with those who fought in the Conquest.
Hello Elizabeth.
Just come across your website. Very nice. I too a a descendant of the de Lacy family,one line being through my ancestor Geoffrey Talbot who married Agnes de Lacy (daughter of Walter de Lacy, Lord of Meath and Emmeline Saer).
Have you compiled a family history of the de Lacy’s at all?
Regards
Steve
I’m pleased you like the site. I’m not a de Lacy myself but interested in the history. I think a family history of all the de Lacy family would be a huge task, but I think there are some groups on sites like ancestry.com.
Michael Blackburn was among the last defenders of Pontefract Castle along with Colonel Morris when Cromwell captured it. Both were executed. Do you have any information on Blackburn?
(I’m a descendant of the Blackburn’s from Ackworth.
Hello Ivan, this was long after the de Lacy family and it isn’t a period that I have researched, but a quick look threw up this link that you may find interesting.
https://hallbower.wordpress.com/the-bar/history/supplementary-annals-of-the-church-and-parish-of-almondbury/
It’s a fascinating story, especially to a novelist! The extract is taken from a book by Richard Holmes, called The Sieges of Pontefract. You can probably find a copy somewhere if you have a search. I found another book by Holmes about Pontefract in a small bookshop in Saltaire.
Hi I am a descendant ixd Ilbert de Lacey. My name is Michelle Lacey. My syrname was changed rrom Lacy to Lacey when my 5 x great grandfather changed his religion to Catholic. I live in Torbay ,Newfoundland, Canada.
Hi I’ve just stumbled upon this page by accident and am now intrigued by what is written. My side of the family are from Ireland. I was born and bred in England but have knowledge of my Irish back ground…. Descending from king high de Lacy. I would love to find out more and finding another sharon de Lacy is great, I thought I was the only one 🙂
Hello Sharon. Thanks for your comment. My research so far has been about the descendants of Ilbert de Lacy. His brother Walter was the ancestor of the Irish de Lacys. Their stories are fascinating too and I’m hoping to begin research on them in the future.
I don’t know where you are based but here is your opportunity to put your questions directly to John de Lacy (in character) himself!! Pontefract castle Sat 20th June 11am to 4pm.
Celebrating the 800th Anniversary of the Magna Carta and Pontefract’s link to its creation. Join us for conservation and craft demonstrations, community stalls, falconry, morris dancing, and John DeLacy himself explaining the importance of controlling the monarchy.
Thanks Roy. I may be able to get to that. I’ll also,be writing a special post for the blog about John de Lacy in the run up to the Magna Carta celebrations.
I am researching john de lacy and have him as son of Margaret longespee and Hugh de lacy, but it seems they only has a surviving daughter, Alice, who had no children. So that must be wrong. John is Robert’s father and Brian’s grandfather. From whom did john descend?
Hello Julie. Margaret Longespee was married to Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln. Their only surviving child was Alice (Alicia) and you can read her story in my novels Favoured Beyond Fortune and The Circle of Fortune. They also had a son Edmund who died young in an accident. Some sources claim that another son John also died, but he is mentioned in a later petition as a brother of Alicia. The reason he didn’t inherit must be that he was an illegitimate son of Henry de Lacy. I’ve been unable to verify any marriage or children of his.
Hello to all de/Lacy researchers. To add my little bit, I’m researching a friend’s Edmondson family history (all in the Burnley area of north Lancashire in England ) & find that one of her g x 3 grandmothers was a Lacy. It struck me as similar to my own Piercy/Pearcy/Percy line in North Yorkshire, probably descending from the great Percy family of Northumberland (when Northumberland did start north of the Humber) & I realise that there may be numerous Lacys still around wherever de Lacy’s lived, including Burnley which was part of the ‘honor’ of Clitheroe granted to Edmund de Lacy in 1251, apparently. One of Edmund’s titles inherited from his father was Lord of Bowland, which is a nearby wild & hilly area, in an already hilly region, & very beautiful it is too!
I’m very impressed by the extent of the research so many of you achieve, non-expert that I am.
Happy digging!
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment, Annette.
Hi Elizabeth, Have found your excellent website while researching the de Lacy family for a nonfiction book I am writing chronicling the de Lacy history. This was a project intended only to just show my grandson what a noble family he springs from. Now I am fully gripped by the many popular recorded historical events where a family member was involved.
We rise from Walter de Lacy stock. My grandfather moved to Liverpool in the 1890’s from Ireland.
Life moves in many circles and I now live in the shadow of Pontefract Castle. in Pontefract.
Hope to leave more notes on your de Lacy pages. Roy Lacy.
Thank you for your comment Roy. I’m pleased you’ve found my pages helpful. I’m also working on collating this information together into book form, but it’s an ongoing task that I’m not sure will ever be finished! I look forward to hearing what you have to say.
Hello Roy and Elizabeth, my mother Mary Bowtell de Lacy was a decendant from the Walter de Lacy and the Irish de Lacy’s. Her father was Olaf Francois de Lacy and her grandfather who I believe came from Ireland was James de Lacy who had 3 terrace houses built in east Melbourne – one still remains! It’s all so interesting … I would love to find the connection from Walter to James de Lacy in Ireland ! Regards Meaghan
Hello Meaghan. I’m pleased you found your way to my website. I think Roy knows more about Walter’s descendants than I do, but good luck with your research.
In response to Meaghan Soncin: Following the Walter de Lacy line down through the centuries is fraught with difficulties as records are if not impossible to trace. I refer to this in my book ‘de Lacy Chronicles’ as the grey years. Have you looked back at other comments here on Elizabeth Ashworth comments page? I also have a family tree comment page on my website where you can find what other seekers of the Walter line have also left their information.
Hello – my great-great-grandmother was Christiana Chalmers Lacy of North Carolina, and tracing my roots back along the de Lacy line has been truly fascinating considering there was never any oral history shared when the elder generations were alive. Thank you for sharing the lore you’ve discovered!
Thanks Elizabeth. If appropriate I will mention your blog this week at the funeral.
Hi Teresa My name is Lorraine de Lacy and I am your cousin from Belcoo Co.Fermanagh you met my sister Catherine at uncle Kevin’s funeral our grandfather came from Adare Co. Limerick and he was a postman and met and married our grandmother in Dundalk Co. Louth
Hey Teresa
How fascinating is all this ! I come across it by accident and here you and cherry are ! Sharon xxx
Hello everybody,my name is Teresa de Lacy,hello Cherry!
I have some knowledge of the family history and will pass it on.
Unfortunately there will be a gathering of the family this week
as my uncle has died,maybe I will meet some of you there.
My fathers christian name was Hugh.
Thanks for visiting my blog, Teresa. It’s nice to be able to put some current de Lacy family members in contact with one another.
I’ve always loved the splendid Lacy arms of a purple lion rampant on a golden ground.These colours are usually reserved for royalty.Why,in your opinion Elizabeth,were the Lacys granted this honour?
The arms were first used by Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln. He was a close friend and advisor to Edward I. So maybe that was why he was allowed such splendid colours.
Henry De Lacy, Earl of Lincoln played such an important role in the reign of Edward I. Not only that, the de Lacy family is tied to many kings and queens of both England and Scotland so I have read. http://books.google.com/books?id=rKAKXWXIa9gC&pg=PA62&lpg=PA62&dq=list+of+de+Lacy+castles&source=bl&ots=lR4bBg0Wm0&sig=iDGwl6wyrnWYU4xxA6q5g5uvi9w&hl=en&sa=X&ei=78tcU-ykB8iHyATKioH4AQ&ved=0CEkQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=list%20of%20de%20Lacy%20castles&f=false
Lots of reading of Henry De Lacy in above link?
Hello Elizabeth,
I too am conducting some research into my family history (Costello – from “de Angulo”) mainly because my entire family have passed on, I have no children, have lost my family home and am interested in my roots.
It turns out that my furthest traceable ancestor (Gilbert de Angulo), was most likely an in law and close friend of Earl Hugh De Lacy (“There may have been a kinship between the families which might help explain the reason Hugh and his descendants often looked upon the de Angulos with favor. One historian noted that Gilbert de Angulo was a “brother-in law” of Hugh de Lacy” – http://www.nanglemedieval.com/Entire%20Book.pdf (page 16).
Gilbert De Angulo (one of Hugh’s Knights and Baron of Angle, Pembrokeshire) Landed in Ireland with him in 1171 and his Son (Jocelyn – also a Knight) was awarded the title of 1st Baron of Navan – a town that was founded by Jocelyn.
Milo (Miles) de Angulo, fifth Baron of Navan, son of Philip de Angulo, and descendent of Gilbert de Angulo, 2nd Baron of Navan, married Eleanor, daughter of Hugh, son of Earl Hugh de Lacy, and had issue. The Barony of Navan stayed in the family (De Angulo, Nangle, Costello) until 1781 until Francis Nangle – the 23rd baron – passed away.
The name was changed to “Costello” as – Oistealb or Osdealv was the Gaelic rendering of Jocelyn.The sons of Jocelyn were Philip, Gilbert, and William de Angulo. The descendants of William de Angulo (or Mac Costello) settled in Connacht and the name became Gaelicized, dropping the surname de Angulo in favor of Mac Oisdealb, or Mac [C]ostello.
My great Grandfather always maintained that for hundreds of years from father to son the knowledge was passed that we were originally of Viking nobility – one of two brothers actually – one went south (to France) and the other went west (to Greenland) … and it turns out that he was right as the de Angulo’s were originally borne of norsemen that settled in Normandy (Evreux) in the 9th century just before the siege of Paris in 911 under Rollo. My Grandmother could mentally recite our family tree as far back as the 1600’s – thus linking us to the de Angulo’s without a shadow of a doubt.
So, for a century or so it seems that our ancestors had strong family ties and shared fine friendships, in Britain, France and Ireland and that is the reason that I have written to you.
I do hope that you find this interesting and that I have not wasted your time.
Be well
Nicholas Costello
Claddagh
Galway
Eire
Thanks for this Nicholas. It was very interesting. People sometimes forget that the Normans were Vikings and not really French at all.
My maternal grandfather was Benjamin Vincent DeLacy, born in New York City, New York in 1880. His family was from Ireland. In going through some of my Mother’s papers I found the cover of a prayer book with an inscription hand printed inside the cover. It said ” Joseph Kevin DeLacy Bray Head Co. Wicklow March 14, 1871 Ireland.” I think this was my great grandfather. Do you have any information or sources of information for this branch of the DeLacy family, which I believe traces back to Hugh de Lacy.
Hello Judy,
Thanks for your comment. My research is restricted to the medieval de Lacy family so I’m not able to help you with your query. You could try searching ancestry.co.uk
My late wife’s Great Grandfather was called Bromfield de Lacey, would he be connected to the family?
I’m sure he would be.
Hello Shanna,
I would not be surprised if your boyfriends’s family could be traced back to the de Lacy family from Normandy. But as I told Melodi, my research is confined to the mediaeval de Lacy family and their links with Lancashire. I am not a genealogist so I am not able to help individual people with family research.
Melodi Lewis has posted a couple of times about Aretus Lacey and the possible relationship to the de Lacey’s. My boyfriend is a cousin of hers. His grandmother said the spelling was D’Lacey from France. We are trying to run down the family tree because we are curious of the different links. If your line is related to ours then it is related to the Gibson line of England, which is quite extensive. Including being related to every US President including the current. Many of the Scottish and English Nobles including the Queen Elizabeth II’s family. It would be nice to be able to get the links or disprove them completely. Any help would be great.
Hello
My grandfather was called George Elderbert deLacy Harrop and there are instances of de Lacy family through my antecedents. Was always interested in this and would love more information. Is your book about the de Lacy’s on sale?
Hello Aline,
Most of my research into the de Lacy family is on this site. The de Lacy Inheritance is a novel, but if you would like to read it you can buy it via Amazon:title=”amazon.co.uk”>http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Lacy-Inheritance-Elizabeth-Ashworth/dp/1905802366/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369218997&sr=8-1&keywords=the+de+lacy+inheritance or amazon.com
Hi I am related thru Emmeline de Lacy daughter of Hugues de Lacy Comte de Lassy and Emma de BoisL’Eveque who married Arnulf(Ernulf) de Hesdin, Seigneur b:1038 Hesdin, Duchy of Lorraine (now Nord-Pas-de-Calasis,France)-1091 Toddingham, Bedfordshire, England Occupation: Crusader Senhor de Hesdin would love to make contract with other de Lacey descendants please, found your website by chance. Thank you
Hi Elizabeth and everyone else,
i find it amazing that so many people have come into contact about the de Lacy name,
my name is Stephen Lacy and my family and I where all born in the general region of Clitheroe castle and i have such fond memories listening to my dad talk about the heritage of the lacy family. so i am going to get to my question now, i am looking particularly into what caused them to spread out so far across the globe?
Many Thanks
Stephen
Okay, I’ve had a look at my notes and it is possible that Joan de Lacy who married Henry de Longchamp was the daughter of John de Lacy (who later became Earl of Lincoln) and his first wife Alice l’Aigle who died, possibly in or shorty after childbirth, in 1215. She is buried at Norton Priory in Cheshire. Here’s my page about John de Lacy: http://elizabethashworth.com/the-de-lacy-family/john-de-lacy/ and here is my page about Norton Priory: http://elizabethashworth.com/2010/09/13/norton-priory/ In the comments you will see that there is a lady who is researching the l’Aigle family and the link to her website. She suggests that there was a daughter of John and Alice, but doesn’t name her as Joan, but I suspect this is who your ancestor could be. Before she married Henry de Longchamp Joan was the wife of Thomas de Birkin who died in 1230.
Well, I’m certainly glad that I found your page as I seem to have a lot of distant cousins here. I’m descended from Ilbert through Robert then Albreda. Now, I just found yet another link through Joan de Lacy who married Sir Henry de Longchamp and I’m also descended through their daughter Maud. So far, I have 10 de Lacy’s in my tree, but there could be more. Any idea who’s child Joan was?
Hello John. I’m glad you found the page! I’m not sure about Joan without checking, but she could be a descendant of Ilbert’s brother Walter. I’ll let you know if I find anything about her.
This page is most interesting. My Grandfather was Hugh de Lacy from Northern Ireland and my father Malachy de Lacy. Our name is always so unusual (and not many spell it correctly) so it’s been fascinating reading all of the above.
I’m glad that you enjoyed it, Cherry.
Hi Cherry I believe your Grandfather was my uncle. My father was James de Lacy. I have a page on Ancestry with what I have found out so far
Regards
Catherine de Lacy
Hi Catherine
Really? I would love to see what you have found so far!
Thanks
Cherry
Hi Cherry do you have an email address?
Regards
catherine
I am a descendant of Ilbert de Lacey by way of his son Robert. My recent relatives are all from Virginia. I am interested in the book you are writing. When will it be published?
How interesting, Linda. My research into the de Lacy family is ongoing, when I can spare the time. I’m not sure whether it will eventually form a book or whether I will continue to add information to the internet. Which child of Robert’s are you descended from?
I would be interested to know of which son or daughter that would be.
Robert had 4 sons and a daughter Albreda. Ilbert the first son died 1141 after the Battle of Lincon and had no heirs. His brother Henry succeded and he had a son Robert who suceeded him and died in 1192 and had no heirs. That was the last of the first line.
The other two brothers were another Robert who died in 1138 at the Battle of Standard.
And the 4th was an illigitamate son named Ralph the Red who became the porgenator of the de Mitton, Bailey and Shireburne family of Stonyhurst Hall.
Which sibling are you a decendent of Roberts children?
Thanks.
I have contacted your before about my Great Great Grandfather Aretus Lacey. I am still searching for his parents and came across some new information. I found this through Google but I actually do not know where this came from or if it is accurate. It lists the father as:
LaFayette DeLacey – Born circa 1775 – at some point lived in Lasse, Aquitaine, France
It lists the son as Aretus Lacey was born in 1805 in New York. (which is correct)
It also correctly lists Aretus’s wife Susannah (Hannah) and their 1st son Fayette Lacey.
Please let me know if you have any information on LaFayette DeLacey…or can give me any leads to follow.
Thanks….Melodi
I’m sorry I can’t help you with this, Melodi. My knowledge is limited to the years 1066 to 1348.
Hi
My farthers name was Thomas Lacy…..he told me that he was related to the de lacy;s from France ….and that they were the 1st barons of Northern Ireland …..could this information be true ? Best Wishes …….Patricia Lacy Parkin
Yes, it could well be true, Patricia. If it is then you are descended from Walter de Lacy who built Ludlow Castle. His descendants had land in Ireland and many people with the surname Lacy are related to them.
Yes, I’m aware that there are different claims for Eble’s parentage. I looked into them all when I was writing this novel, which is a while ago now, so I would need to go and search out all the references again.
But these links may interest you if you haven’t seen them:
http://homepages.rpi.edu/~holmes/Hobbies/Genealogy/ps15/ps15_495.htm
http://www.archive.org/stream/lestrangerecords00lestuoft/lestrangerecords00lestuoft_djvu.txt
The second contains this:
The Complete Peerage* on the authority of Blore’s Rutland
(p. 228), makes Eubulo the son of a second wife of John, ist
Lord Strange of Knockin, viz. daughter and heiress of Eubulus
de Montibus, of Ketton, Co. Rutland, and says that from the
name it seems likely ; but I know of no other authority for
the existence of this second wife.
So the geneology is very cloudy, but it was the name that made me decide that the probability was he had a grandfather whom he was named after.
Regarding Richard de St Martin and Joan Martin – I had the same thought, but couldn’t find any evidence for a relationship.
According to my references Eubolo’s mother was Maud of Walton d’Eiville his father was John le Strange [V]. Alianore had three sons by John [iV],John, Fulke, and Robert her second husband was Bogo de Knovill and they had no issue..
There was a Glen Strange who played the part of a bartender on the western “Gunsmoke” on tv in the US in the 50’s -60’s or so. Just thought this would be helpful.
I wonder if he was any relation to Joan Martin, Alice’s stepmother!
He is referred to as Eubolo, Ebulo and Obolus in official records. But these records are ‘Latinised’ so that John became Johannes, Richard became Ricardus just as a couple of examples.
I hated the name Eubolo because it sounds like a disease so I tried to discover whether he really was called that. What I found was that his grandfather (the father of his mother Alianora) was Sir Eble de Montz, the constable of Windsor Castle. So it appears that he was named after him.
I also tracked down a document where he signs his name and he signs as Eble. He is also referred to as Eble in this petition regarding income from Lincoln Castle: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?queryType=1&resultcount=1&Edoc_Id=7715680
So that seems fairly convincing evidence that Eble was his given name.
There is no evidence that he was lame. The story of the ‘lame knight’ appears to refer to a man named Richard de St Martin who is credited as the person who kidnapped Alicia on behalf of John de Warenne. But I suspect that he may be a Victorian invention .
Note you call Alice’s second husband Eble le Strange, I live a few miles from a ruined castle owned by the le Strange family, Cheswardine Castle, and in Shropshire he is known as Eubolo!
The Shropshire connection is how I became interested in Alice de Lacy and I like to think that she found happiness with Eubolo and may have visited the favourite residence which was used as a hunting lodge.He has been described as ‘the lame knight’ have you any further information on whether he was born lame or sustained a wound which caused his lameness?
I do have a copy of that book. I tracked it down to an Oxfam bookshop. I haven’t read beyond the first few pages though. As for my own book – it will be coming out with a conventional publisher, but that route does take time. Keep a look out for my latest news.
Sometimes an author has to follow their own creative instincts, why not self publish?
Bye the way, have you read ‘Alesia de Lacy’ by J G Ruddock?
I think it was mainly to get revenge on Thomas. It’s hard to know if Alice went willingly or not. There is so much nonsense written about the incident that it’s hard to pick out the truth. The de Lacy family had been on good terms with the Warennes for most of the time since the Conquest and there had been some intermarriage so maybe John was genuine in his attempt to offer her his protection – although his grandfather had fallen out with her father, Henry, over land some years before.
I find it interesting that she had left Pickering Castle to go to her house in Canford before the ‘abduction’ took place. It was far away from Thomas and made it easier, though whether it was pre-planned we’ll never know for sure.
I don’t have a publication date for the book as yet. My agent remarked that it might be hard to sell as Alice is a victim and has little chance to be pro-active. Sadly, that is a reflection of her real life. Although I think she had tremendous strength of character she was at the mercy of powerful men and I can’t re-write what really happened to her.
Strange that John de Warenne was the one to help Alice given that he was heavily involved in trying to extricate himself from a marriage to a Plantagenet. Have you found any specific reason for his involvement or was it simply to thwart Thomas of Lancaster because he had tried to stop his divorce?
Oh! By the way have you any dates for publication?
She remained under the care of John de Warenne and so may have remained at Reigate or possibly been taken to another of the de Warenne castles. It seems that Thomas made no concerted attempt to get her back even though he used the matter as an excuse not to attend court, accusing the king of being party to the ‘abduction’.
Wasn’t that after Thomas of Lancaster’s execution? Where did she go for the years before his death?
I am fascinated by the life of Alice de Lacy and when she was ostensibly ‘abducted’ by John de Warenne and taken to Reigate Castle, do you know where she went from there?
Yes, I do Fran and I’ve written about it in a yet to be published novel. Briefly, she was taken to the castle at York where she was ‘persuaded’ by Hugh le Despenser on behalf of King Edward to sign over most of what she owed to the crown in return for her freedom which comprised virtual house arrest on one of her Lincolnshire manors.
Thank you for your response. I know I was grasping at straws but I am following every possible lead. I will check out the suggested site.
My great great grandfather…Aretus Lacey was born in Tioga County (Broome County), NY…3/5/1805, he died 1865, possibly in IL. He married Hannah Van Duyn Auten 2/5/1825 in Chili, Monroe, NY. They had five children: Eunice, Maria, Harriet, Margaret, and Fayette (who is my great grandfather and fought in the Civil War). I am trying to find info about his birth family. His fathers last name was possibly DeLacey. I have checked and there are no birth or marriage records in NY that early. I am trying to locate his fathers name so I can continue my search but have been unsuccessful. Do you have any suggestions where I might possibly find this information?
My research and current knowledge is limited to the direct descendants of Ilbert de Lacy in Yorkshire and Lancashire from the Norman conquest to 1348 when the legitimate line came to an end with the death of Alice de Lacy. Although your family research sounds interesting I’m not a genealogist and so I can’t offer any advice about finding your family records. You could try posting your question on a genealogy forum where other de Lacys are researching. http://genforum.genealogy.com/delacy/
I am very interested in any information about Aretus Lacey. He shows to be a Y-DNA match to my Father-in-Law. My wife’s family believes that they come from a Henry Lacey who was born in New York about 1800. It is believed he married Anna Maria Taylor. The only proof of their names comes from their son Yates Taylor Lacey, but no records can be found for either of them, excpet for a Birth Record for Anna Maria Taylor within the Dutch Reformed Church. I believe due to the DNA evidence and other known inforation about Aretus, he and Henry may have been brothers. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Greetings from Roy A Lacy. May I suggest you leave the above comment on the de Lacy Family Tree page of my website,www.delacychronicles.com. to broaden your search together with other members of the de Lacy family.
Horton Colby Ballew Please contact me at flyingcolors356@gmail.com
Hello Alice,
Thanks for your message. Alice seems to be a common name in the family and I’m currently researching the story of Alicia de Lacy who was the last of the heirs of Ilbert de Lacy of Pontefract. There will be a novel (or two) about her in the future!
I’ve neglected my blog whilst finishing the first draft of my current novel but I have some photos of the church at Swaveton where there is an effigy of a lady who must be connected with Alicia. I’ll be posting about it in the next few weeks so keep an eye on the pages.
Hello,
I too am a decendant of the de lacy family, and have decided to continue the research into my family history that my grandmother started before she sadly died a few years ago. I think its wonderful you are so interested in my families history, I cant quite believe how many stories there are surrounding the family! If you have any information that would help me in tracing back my heritage I would be eternally greatful!
Hello Jordan,
I’m sorry to hear about your loss. I can’t be sure but I think that most of the de Lacy family in the USA are descended from Walter de Lacy. Walter and his descendants had lands in Ireland and many people travelled from there to make new lives in the Americas.
Lots of de Lacys find their way to my pages so someone from your area might see your message. Good luck with your research.
Hello,
My great-grandfather just passed away, the last person in my immediate family with the last name Lacy. My grandmother and myself have done some digging and we’re pretty sure we’re descendants of either Walter or Ilbert.
Any information on their descendants that ended up in colonial America, specifically Virginia would be amazing.
Thanks for your interest Patricia. It’s always nice to hear from descendants of the de Lacys. My research is an ongoing project so more information will be added as time passes. My main interest is the descendants of Ilbert de Lacy who owned Pontefract Castle in Yorkshire. Do bookmark the page and check back later or subscribe to the blog so that you’ll be alerted to any updates.
i am related to the delacy fmaily and would like as much information
on them, from 1200 1400. what castles did they own. what is there
history. thank you patricia
I have purchased online a book titled “The Roll of The House of Lacy” by De Lacy-Bellingari. Unless you are a history buff, this book is bit tedious and possibly hard to follow however it does provide much information pertaining to lineage, land holdings and structures built or funded by the De Lacy family from either the Ilbert or Walter branch. I am and Irish descendant of the Walter Branch but have found the English history and landmarks far more appealing. A must see is Ludlow Castle and Longtown Castle is in the Welsh Marches area, and of course Whaley Abbey and Clitheroe Castle are pleasantries. And Elizabeth, reading The DeLacy Inheritance is on my to read list 🙂
-Douglas Meyer Lacy of the USA
Douglas, I have also consulted this resource concerning the Lacy family in New York and later on in Iowa.
Hello Douglas!
My maternal grandmother was Carmen Lacy (Alicante, Spain). Her ancestors came from Ireland: Patrick De Lacy, born in the County of Galway in 1706 and his brother, David, arrived from Ireland to Spain in 1755.
I have cousins who keep the family name at first place, but in my case the family name Lacy is just at the fourth place behind my christian name. Nevertheless, through reading the book you have also, that my grandmother owned (“The Roll of the House of Lacy”, by The Lacy-Bellingari, Baltimore, Higginson Book Company, 1928) I become interested in this long saga (my mother and his brother are the last of the Spanish Lacy branch mentioned on the book). I had planned a trip to Ireland february this year, but we cancel the tickets, because my wife broke a bone skiing (we live in Sweden).
This summer I visited Lassy in Calvados, Normandie, and I had a nice long meeting with the major, Jean Turmel, who has received many letters in English from Lacy’s people, specially from Canada, but he cannot read English. One day maybe, we will organize a Lacy families meeting in Lassy!
I include the link to my blog article (in Spanish with photos) concerning my visit:
http://ensondeluz.com/2015/10/11/trashumancias-2015-vii-normandia-lassy-y-la-saga-de-los-lacy/
All the best !
Thank you, Sharon. I feel slightly guilty that I haven’t had time to add more information to these pages recently. At the moment I am in the final stages of a novel about the life of Alice de Lacy, countess of Lincoln, and when that is finished I will spend some time adding what I know about the early members of the de Lacy family to this site.
I would love to know living descendants of the de Lacy family and any other publications and information.
Thanking You and Happy New Year!
Sharon
Hello Lynne,
How nice to hear from someone who is descended from the de Lacy family. I’ve emailed you with the contact details of some other de Lacy descendants who I think will be able to help you with your research.
I’m very interested in the de Lacy family because so much of the history of Lancashire and Yorkshire stems from them. As you know Clitheroe Castle was built by them, as were many churches and abbeys in the district – and the remains of these can still be seen.
Whalley Abbey was founded by Henry de Lacy and I think that some of the family were buried there after their remains were moved from Stanlow Abbey. I’m researching Henry and his daughter Alice at the moment for a novel about their stories.
I’m very pleased that you enjoyed The de Lacy Inheritance and I hope you manage to learn more about your family.
Do check back here from time to time as I shall be adding to the information about the early members of the de Lacy family.
It looks as if Lynne and I are cousins! I too am descended from the De Lacys! Looking forward to more wonderful on this branch of my family.
Hello Elizabeth,
I am descended from the DeLacy family. My grandparents came to Massachusetts from England in the 1900s. They have long since passed away and now that I am older, I have so many questions about my intriguing family history. I visited Clitheroe Castle and that’s been the extent of my historical knowledge.
Why did you choose to research the DeLacy family? Do you have any suggestions for me in gaining info of my bloodlines??? I read the DeLacy Inheritance, which I enjoyed, and now I would like the real story.
Thanks so much for bringing history to life!
Lynne DeLacy Flanagan
4 Spring Meadow Drive
Southborough, MA 01772
Hello to Ms. Ashworth and to all descendants of the de Lacy family. As a descendant of Ibert de Lacy I am intrigued to learn more about the family history and inspired to get to know some modern day relations descended from the de Lacy line. I am also looking to travel to England & France to further investigate. I have also discovered that I am a descendant of the Plantagenets as well as Queen Margaret of Scotland who was canonized a Saint. Anyone who may be interested in contacting to explore together kindly feel free to do so. This genealogy journey is fascinating. I am so interested in getting to learn about the personal private lives of my ancestors as well as their public lives. I am currently beginning to read The de Lacy Inheritance.
Best regards to All,
Karen Armstrong
25 Russell Avenue
Newport, RI 02840
USA
Email: karenarmstrong09@gmail.com
Please note that my e-mail address has changed to pete.sharman@outlook.com
Peter Sharman
Sent from my iPad
>