Lawyer History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Lawyer was first found in the Rhine Valley, where the family has been a prominent family for centuries, and held a family seat with domains, estates and manors. The family were well established in the region of Strasburg north to the coast and several members of the family distinguished themselves through their contributions toward the community and their religious activities. They and were rewarded with lands, titles and letters patent confirming their nobility. The family was originally from Albigensia and their original name was Raymond. They held a family seat near Montpellier. Pierre Raymond de Layard left France for England at the Edict of Nantes. He was appointed a Major in General Verey's Regiment of Foot and joined him at the Battle of the Boyne in Ireland. The family settled at Riverssdale outside Dublin. Some of the family returned to England where they became Member of Parliament or distinguished army officers. Charles Peter Layard was Dean of Bristol.