Astbury History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Early Origins of the Astbury family

The surname Astbury was first found in Cheshire at Astbury, a parish, chiefly in the union of Congleton, consisting of the townships of Eaton and Somerford-Booths in the hundred of Macclesfield. 1

This parish dates back to 1093 (shortly after the Norman Conquest in 1066) when it was known as Astbury and literally meant "east manor or stronghold." 2 However, another source claims the parish meant "east castle or fort." 3

Early rolls show that William de Astbury was listed here in Cheshire in the Assize Rolls of 1287. 4

Early History of the Astbury family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Astbury research. Another 60 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1455, 1487, 1688, 1690, 1720 and 1743 are included under the topic Early Astbury History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Astbury Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Astbury has been spelled many different ways, including Astbury, Astbry, Astbrey, Asprey, Aspry, Astbray, Astburie and many more.

Early Notables of the Astbury family

Distinguished members of the family include

John Astbury (1688-1743), an English potter credited with innovations and improvements in earthenware associated with Staffordshire figures...

Astbury migration to the United States +

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Astburys to arrive in North America:

Astbury Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

John and Edward Catherton Astbury, who were recorded in Sacramento County, California between 1866 and 1871
Thomas W. Astbury, who was naturalized in Philadelphia in 1877

Astbury migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Astbury Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. Samuel Astbury, English convict who was convicted in Stafford, Staffordshire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Eden" on 30th September 1848, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Island) 5

Contemporary Notables of the name Astbury (post 1700) +

Michael John "Mike" Astbury (b. 1964), English former professional football goalkeeper who played from 1980 to 1991
Andrew Astbury (b. 1960), English two-time gold, silver and three-time bronze medalist freestyle swimmer who competed in the 1970s and 1980s
Sir George Astbury, English Justice of the Peace, of Backford, Chester
Ian Astbury (b. 1962), English Rock singer, front man from "The Cult"
William Thomas Astbury (1889-1961), English physicist and molecular biologist
Rob Astbury (1948-2017), Australian television sports journalist and real estate agent
Thomas "Tommy" Astbury (1920-1993), Welsh professional footballer
Lieutenant-Commander Frederick Wolfe Astbury (1872-1954), British businessman and Conservative politician
Sir John Meir Astbury (1860-1939), British judge and politician
Alan Astbury FRS, Canadian physicist, professor emeritus at University of Victoria, director of the Tri-Universities Meson Facility (TRIUMF)
... (Another 3 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Citations +

Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 15th November 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/eden