Bewley

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Bewley is a surname originating in England around the 13th century. It is said to come from France from the spelling Beaulieu.

Bewleys of Cumberland

Some thousands of families today in the English-speaking world bear the surname of Bewley. A number of these families can trace their origins back to Thomas de Beaulieu, who lived in the 14th century in Thistlethwaite, Cumberland, England.

The story of the family has been told by one of his distinguished descendants, Sir Edmund Thomas Bewley (1837-1908) Q.C., J.P., of Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin, Ireland, in his book The Bewleys of Cumberland, published in 1904 (Download Bewleys of Cumberland ).

The early Bewleys
Sir Edmund's book traces the probable connection with the de Beaulieus of Hainault, North France. Members of the family later moved to the parish of Caldbeck and held a number of distinguished positions in the county over the next three centuries, as well as representing the county in Parliament at different times.

Bewleys and the Quakers

In the 17th century another Thomas Bewley became closely involved with George Fox. Several of the family joined the Society of Friends, otherwise known as the Quakers. This tradition has continued to the present day, particularly in Ireland.

Bewley Castle, in Cumbria, England, was erected by Bishop Bewley.

See also

  • Beauly - Scottish village, similar name and etymology
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