The surname of BLEAKLEY is of the local group of surnames and meant one who came from Blakely in Lancashire, the dweller in the wood or clearing. (The name is usually pronounced as Blakeley). Local names usually denoted where a man held his land. Early records of the name mention William de la Blekeleigh, listed in the Parliament writs of Staffordshire in 1301. Robert atte Blakeley was recorded in the year 1337 in County Yorkshire and Thomas Bleckly of County Lancashire, was documented during the reign of Edward III (1327-1377). Johannes Blakely of Yorkshire was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. Habitation names are derived from names denoting towns, villages, farmsteads or other named places, which include rivers, houses with signs on them, regions, or whole counties. The original bearer of the name who stayed in his area might be known by the name of his farm, or the locality in the parish; someone who moved to another town might be known by the name of his village; while someone who moved to another county could aquire the name of that county or the region from which he originated. During the 17th century surnames were brought to Britain, North America and southern Africa by French Huguenot exiles. The Huguenots were French Protestants, and in 1572 large numbers of them were massacred in Paris on the orders of Queen Catherine de'Medici. Many of the survivors sought refuge in England and elsewhere. Although the Edict of Nantes (1598) officially guaranteed religious toleration, persecution continued, and the Edict was revoked by Louis XIV in 1685. It was then the trickle of emigration became a flood. Many migrated to England, while others joined groups of Dutch Protestants settling around the Cape of Good Hope. Others sailed across the Atlantic to establish themselves in North America. Janes Blakeley of Bury (widow) was listed in the Wills at Chester in 1626, and Ralph Blackeley of Bury, was included in the same Wills. William James, son of James and Esther Blackley was baptised at Canterbury Cathedral in the year 1791. The associated arms are recorded in Sir Bernard Burkes General Armory. Ulster King of Arms in 1884. |
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