Chiesley History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

Early Origins of the Chiesley family

The surname Chiesley was first found in Caldyrstarrs, where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Chiesley family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Chiesley research. Another 61 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1682, 1689 and 1745 are included under the topic Early Chiesley History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Chiesley Spelling Variations

Surnames that evolved in Scotland in the Middle Ages often appear under many spelling variations. These are due to the practice of spelling according to sound in the era before dictionaries had standardized the English language. Chiesley has appeared as Chiesley, Chesley, Chesly, Cheysly, Cheisley, Cheislie and many more.

Early Notables of the Chiesley family

Notable amongst the family at this time was

Lady Grange (Rachel Chiesley, 1682-1745) was married to James Erskine, the Scottish Lord Advocate, who staged her funeral and then had her imprisoned on the island of Hirta...

Migration of the Chiesley family

The North American colonies beckoned, with their ample land and opportunity as their freedom from the persecution suffered by so many Clan families back home. Many Scots even fought against England in the American War of Independence to gain this freedom. Recently, clan societies have allowed the ancestors of these brave Scottish settlers to rediscover their familial roots. Among them: John Chesley who settled in Maryland in 1751; Robert Chesley settled in Maryland in 1751; and Henry Chesly settled in Virginia in 1750.

The Chiesley Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Credo et videbo
Motto Translation: I believe, and I shall see.