Jane Jeffreys from Peterborough: "I am from South Wales originally and believe the family may have come down from the Brecon area in the C19th. I have often wondered whether we are related to the infamous Judge...can anyone give me guidance on how to start the long search or does does anyone have any information that may assist me? Thanks in advance."
Stephen Jeffreys from Whitchurch, Shropshire: "I'm related to Judge George Jeffreys through his brother James (1649-89) who is my direct ancestral grandfather. Their father John Jeffreys was born at Acton 1608 and died 1691. He married Margaret Ireland, daughter of Sir John Ireland of Bewsay, and had seven sons and a daughter. John Jeffreys became High Sheriff of Denbighshire in 1655 and bacame a member of Lincoln's Inn 1st July 1657. John's daughter was Margaret (1632) and she married Robert Belton of Shrewsbury. They had a daughter Margaret who married Peter Ffoulks in 1682. George Jeffreys firstly married Sarah Needham in 1667 and they had six children, two girls who married and four boys, three of whom died in infancy. Sarah died aged 33 in 1677.
Is it possible to get in touch with the Wendy from Australia and Jenna from Canada who would appear to be distant relatives?"
Wendy from Australia writes: "I am granddaughter of Judge Jeffreys of Acton - 10 generations down the track. I would love to see a photo of Acton Hall and any information about his wife, Margaret Ireland, and where she came from. Thanks."
Wrexham local studies librarian Joy Thomas provided this photo and explanation: "Acton Hall was demolished during 1955-6. All trace of the building has disappeared but the stables still exist as housing.
The site of the hall is now Wrexham Council's Civic Amenity Site, just off Herbert Jennings Avenue, Wrexham."
David from Colwyn Bay: "With ref. to Wendy of Australia and her quest for info. This is a picture I took of the Acton Hall Gates, complete with the Four Dogs, over 20 years ago, in case it is of any interest. Not sure if the gates are still there."
Len Smith from Arnside was prompted to write in after seeing the picture of the Four Dogs: "The picture of the dogs on Acton Hall gates prompts the question, what were they made of? There is an oral tradition in my family that they were carved by a great grandfather, Edward Williams of Ivy Cottage, Rhosddu. However, he worked in wood, not stone. Some years ago I heard that a wooden dog was still held in a local authority storeroom, the assumption being that it was simply a pattern for the ones on the gates. But were they in fact all made of wood and painted to look like stone?"
Jenna from Canada: "I was wondering if I could get more info on Judge George Jeffreys as he is my great grandfather times 10 or his other descendants. My family know little about him. Most documents we had were burnt and the stories about him weren't really told due the embarrassment to be in his blood line.
My family came to Canada during WWII after one of the family businesses were bombed. My great, great uncle Donald worked for British intelligence so he came after.
The relation to Judge Jeffreys is on my dad's side. I really don't know much except for what I've read in history books. My great grandfather was very excited for me to try to find more out but unfortunately he won't see my final search because he passed away on April 18 2002.
There is one thing that I was told that is not in the books. Jeffreys did have a daughter. She had his coffee serving set and it has been passed on to the first born ever since. I now have it. It's very old but that's all I really have from my roots."
Alister Williams from Wrexham: "Delighted to discover that the Jeffreys family is still around, albeit some distance away from Wrexham. George Jeffreys acquired an infamous reputation for a series of events that took place over a very short period of time. If one looks at his life as a whole then a very different picture emerges. He was undoubtedly a very talented and intelligent man who rose from relative provincial obscurity to the highest legal position in the kingdom. He was the youngest ever Chief Justice of England. His great misfortune was to have achieved prominence at the time when the monarch 's popularity was at its lowest ebb. Jeffreys probably did no more (and no less) than any other loyal supporter of the Crown in his brutal treatment of the Monmouth rebels. One has to bear in mind that legal procedure in the 17th century was very severe and many fairly harmless offences carried the death penalty. As late as the early 19th century a person could be hanged for spitting on Westminster Bridge, stealing a loaf of bread or impersonating a Chelsea Pensioner. If one bears this in mind, then being executed for supporting an attempt to overthrow the king does not appear such a severe sentence. The claim that George Jeffreys was born in a farmhouse at Borras has never been substantiated and most records show that he was born at Acton Hall which was demolished in the 1950s. While carrying out my own reasearch I discovered an illustration of Acton Hall as it was at the time of Sir Griffith Jeffreys, the nephew of George. Two books that might be of interest to you are: 'Jeffreys' by P. J. Helm (published by Robert Hale, London, 1966) and 'Bloody Jeffreys - the Hanging Judge' by Robert Milne-Tyte (published by Andre Deutsch, London, 1989). Had James II remained on the throne, Jeffreys would almost certainly have been created Viscount Wrexham and Earl of Flint and he might then have been remembered as one of the great legal figures of British history."
Wayne from Wrexham writes: "Whilst Judge Jeffreys' home in Acton has been demolished, the basic layout of the foundations and gardens can be traced on the site of the house in Acton Park. You may be intrested in knowing that the house where Judge Jeffreys was born is a listed building. This farmhouse in Borras has just been completely renovated."
Jon from Wrexham Museum has some information for Jenna: "Dear Jenna, Judge Jeffreys was an ambitious lawyer who rose to infamy as Hanging Judge Jeffreys during the Bloody Assizes of 1685. Jeffreys sat in judgement on the rebels who took part in the Duke of Monmouth's rebellion against James II. James II was the Catholic king and Monmouth was the Protestant bastard son of Charles II. Charles died in 1685 and Monmouth landed in South West England to lead an attempt to seize the throne by exploiting anti-Catholic feeling. Monmouth though failed miserably when his rag tag army was massacred at the Battle of Sedgemoor where the King's Army was led by John Churchill (he of Blenheim Palace and Winston Churchill's ancestor). The rebels were rounded up and Jeffreys had many of them hanged. Monmouth himself was executed. If Monmouth had waited a little longer, he could have exploited the general dislike of James II across the political classes.
In 1688 the politicians so wanted James II out, they invited William of Orange over to invade and get rid of James. Jeffreys had backed the wrong side and historians of the 18th century punished him for it. His family lived in Acton Hall, a country pile on the edge of Wrexham."
For more information, email the Local Studies Librarian: museum@wrexham.gov.uk
Jean from Perth in Australia: "What an interesting find. My mother, aged 80, who lives in England, believes she is a descendant of Judge Jeffreys. Jeffreys was her mother's maiden name. Her married name was Easterlow. I wonder?"
Betty Grice from Ashburton, New Zealand: "Could Stephen Jeffreys & Jenna please get in touch as hearsay has it that I also have a connection to the Judge through my grandfather William Jefferies (spelt differently). He & his sister(?), Dorcas, were orphaned as babies & there is no trace of their early history. William's father married an Ann Stevens whose father is reported to have been a minister, probably Anglican. William immigrated to New Zealand by working his passage in the SS Mongol on 13 Feb 1874. William's death certificate indicates he was born in 1855, place unknown, father's first name unknown, but registered as a bootmaker. William, I understand, never talked about his past except to impart a great dislike of lawyers as a lawyer uncle wanted him to work in his practice when he was of age. Instead he worked on farms until old enough to leave the country & see his sister off to America or Canada. His sister, I understand, married a Tatum and there her story ends. The Hanging Judge has been mentioned in our family always but where the truth lies as to a connection is anybody's guess. It seems William didn't exist as I have done the usual searches so hope someone can help in some way. Thank you if you can help."
your comments
Alison Elkin, Basingstoke
I too was told that my family were somehow linked to the Judge but that there was no proof as the relevant pages were torn out of the parish register! My Mother's maiden name was Jeffreys and she could trace her tree back to Edward (c1716) son of John Edward, a Rev. Looking at other trees it looks as it is possible that Edward would have been son of John son of James the Brother of the Judge Jeffreys. If anyone has any information on this to prove it one way or other I would be grateful for it.
Tue Aug 12 08:37:07 2008
Bill Stewart from Carmel, California
To Jim Reis, Ambler, Pa. Is the Jeffreys deed for sale? To Maria Tarnavaskaya of Moscow. Do you have an etching or a cameo of the judge, either as Lord Chief Justice or Lord Chancellor? Or, for that mastter, any other physical items intimately connected to Jeffreys? Thank you.
Tue Jul 1 08:09:03 2008
Mary Sullivan, Kallista, Australia
To Janet Dampney, Narrabri. Through my maternal great grandmother, Eliza Jeffery, we are also descended from a line of Isaac Jefferies. Do you have any more information on Isaac Reynolds Jeffery born 1816 London, to Isaac Reynolds and Sarah Anne?
Wed Jun 11 12:58:19 2008
Margaret Harrison/London
Judge Jeffries's grand niece Margaret Harrison married Robert Colley of Newbold, Chester. She is my several times great grandmother and I bear her name. A portrait of her -and of the Judge - are treasured at Newbold. Further details would be appreciated if anyone has them.
Tue Feb 26 09:31:44 2008
Darren Pawley, Borras, Wrexham
This is interesting - I didn't know about the U.S. troops being in Acton Hall. The area around there is called Acton Park. I have always wondered why there was a large hall there and now I know!
Mon Feb 25 09:01:13 2008
Brenda Jeffries - St. Louis, Missouri USA
Our family has only been able to trace our family to James Wade Jeffries - born 1762 in France died in 1789 Mecklenburg Co. Virgina - whose father may be Alexander Jeffrice (Jeffries) - born 1695 possibly in France or England, wife - Misniah (White) Lucretia. Does anyone have any information regarding this family line? I had an Irish art teacher who advised that I was a descendant of Judge Jeffreys - the hanging judge during witch trials in England. However not knowing the history behind the Jeffreys name I denied the connection. Please let me know if you have any information.
Mon Jan 21 09:31:10 2008
Nigel Jefferies from Shrewsbury
Very interested to find out more. I believe Judge Jeffreys was educated in Shrewsbury and when a district judge used to travel the Welsh borders. Also the English language has changed ie court trial was known as tryal and I believe the name change was introduced.
Wed Jan 9 09:46:03 2008
Angela Davies, Cornwall
The rumour in our family is we are related to the judge. My g grandmother Eliza Jeffreys married William Davies, her father Jeffrey Jeffreys was born in Llansamlet c1819 and we haven't got back further than that. We think they were from Brecon.
Fri Jan 4 09:50:25 2008
Maria from Moscow, Russia
2 Kim Jefferis, Hampshire. It sounds very interesting about the Cromwell-Williams connection with the judge's family. Would you like to share more details of your research? I'd be happy to help you with the family names as much as I can. Don't hesitate to ask.
Tue Oct 30 09:39:19 2007
Kim Jefferis, Hampshire
I have been researching the judge and I have found that John Jeffreys, gf of George Jeffreys, adopted the name and that the Jeffreys are decendents of Cromwell whose original name was Williams. Also can anyone help with the family names? I found some names of the brothers and sisters and uncles and aunts of the judge's family. Thanks.
Mon Aug 20 10:34:34 2007
Jacqueline Elliott
I am a descendant of Ann Bludworth [Aunt]. Today, we have more understanding of Ann's very sad life and behaviour. The loss of all her children must have been overwhelming. Also the loss of her first husband, John Jones, upset her greatly. My grandmother also lost babies shortly after their birth. My mother is the only surviver. We are a Rhesus Negative family! I do wonder about this.
Wed Jul 4 08:17:14 2007
Chris Baker, Wantage, Oxfordshire
If Stephen Egan of Melbourne, Australia can contact me, I can provide him with further information.
Mon Jun 25 09:32:29 2007
Lesley Extence Uckfield
Grew up with the understanding that my father was related to the judge. My grandfather was very keen to tell us. When looking into the family tree I found an Emma Jeffrey born approx. 1859 sister to Elizabeth and James daughter of William Jeffrey 1821. My father had the middle name of Jeffrey as does one of my sons. My maiden name was Robins. Be interested to know if it was true.
Wed Jun 6 09:57:13 2007
Marie Thomas
Descendant of Judge Jeffreys wishes to purchase original oil painting of Jeffreys wearing Peer's robes. Period portrait preferred.
Fri May 25 16:26:31 2007
Dianne Skidds from Evans
We are related to the Jeffries thru my maternal grandfather and descended from the Judge's brother whose name was Thomas. This line came west on wagon trains and settled in the Oregon Territory!
Mon May 21 10:07:43 2007
Raymond Graf Polier, Erfurt, Thüringen, Germany
My wife and children seem to be distant relatives to the famous judge and I am very interested, if anybody could help me to find out more about this subject. The very poor facts I know are, that Sir James Jeffreys b. ? d. ? (formerly Governor of Cork / Ireland, was since 1721 English resident in Danzig) and married Anna Luise Cöllmer in ?. They had at least one daugther, her name was Anna Louise Lady Jeffreys b. 13.06.1724 d. Danzig 05.02.1760. Please don't hesitate to get in touch, I would be more than happy. 11.05.2007
Fri May 11 07:54:40 2007
Stephen Egan, Melbourne, Australia
My wife's family (from Shropshire) is related to Judge Jeffreys but I have not been able to find a link. Her maiden name is Milner and her uncle has Jeffreys as a middle name, which has been passed down the family for a few hundred years. Her oldest decendant with the name is William Jeffeys Milner was born in 1830 in Coalmore, Shropshire, England. Has anyone found the surname Milner in their research?
Fri May 4 13:26:11 2007
Taffy from Acton, Wrexham
Interesting site this. As a boy I well remember playing in Acton Hall and its grounds. My father was in the army still at the time and the Hall also had U.S troops living there. After the troops moved out and demob followed WW2 for the troops, my family settled in Acton Park and we continued to play in the now derelict hall. At its final demise items were being sold off on site, ie, beams and stonework etc.. My father at this time and myself in tow with a wheel-barrow went to the Hall as he wanted a piece of its history. I well remember helping to retrieve a large sandstone type mushroom-shaped object. I now know this to be a corn grinder, complete, which I still have in my possession. When I sometimes reminisce on it in my garden, I often think that it may well have ground the flour to make the bread to feed the dastardly and murderous Judge. On reflection it most probably did just that.
Wed Apr 18 08:29:21 2007
David Smith, Kent
I have read all the comments about Judge Jeffreys and now I have some doubt about what my mother told me as a child. She always maintained that Judge Jeffryeys (the "hanging" one) was an ancestor and that a lot of our ancestors were buried at Bemerton churchyard, near Salisbury. Well I went there some years ago and had a poke around and if my memory serves me correctly there were some Jeffreys buried there but I did not take any special note because I was looking for Framptons or Bundys who were my grandparents. Now with the internet, its fantastic, I've suddenly got back to 1700's and have come across the name JEFFRIES as an ancestor. Now I am stumped so I decided to look up the Judge himself and work down. Very interesting. Of course the Framptons lived near Dorchester although they were a large family but there is a Frampton Hall in a village just west of there which I believe is a family seat. The trouble is that as you go further back everybody is related.
Tue Apr 10 09:11:16 2007
Leona
Portions of my great grandfather's family say the Jeffers of Connecticut are descended from the Judge's line. I do know that the family changed their name in the early 1700's from Jeffrey to Jeffers. I'm not certain why.
Is there a line of the family that came to the colonies? I read that a Jeffers or Jeffrey came over with the Winthrop fleet. Apparently he decided to marry a witch and it didn't go over well back home.
Fri Feb 9 11:59:23 2007
Gwyn D Morgan - Sydney Australia
Thank you all for your comments.
Any further information on the decendants of Judge Jeffries off-spring would be appreciated. Many thanks
Wed Jan 24 08:50:15 2007
Kim-Marie Jefferis, Southampton
I am doing my family tree and I have been told that we come from the Jeffreys blood line but we spell our name Jefferis and we were told that the spelling was changed due to the history of the judge. I did a little research and found that he wasn't such a bad person. He was the escapegoat for the king, he only done what was to be done at the time (he never drawn and quartered anyone or burnt them alive) as people said he done. I am trying to find out about Thomas Jeffreys who was the judge's brother. Thomas became Consal to Spain and he was knighted in 1680. He married a Spanish woman but there's no mention of her name or if they had children. I THOUGHT SOME OF THE JEFFREYS/JEFFERIS or how you spell it would like to know the old family MOTTO I have yet to translate "POB DAWI"
Thu Jan 18 08:22:21 2007
Margaret Snowman, Liverpool, NY
Claire Jeffery from Bristol_Said: 'I have a record of the judge's daughter - Anne, born 1686 and baptised at St Giles Church, London'. RESPONSE: I think Anne's mother was Anne Bludworth, the Judge's second wife.
Judge George Jeffreys 1st Baron's first wife, Sarah Neesham, died in Feb 1677 or 1678 and he married Anne Bludworth on June 1679. [Source: www.thepeerage.com/p15300.htm - Anne Bludworth (1657-1703) married, firstly, Sir John Jones, [a relative on my family tree], son of Colonel Philip Jones and Jane Price. She married, secondly, George Jeffreys, 1st Baron Jeffreys of Wem, son of John Jeffreys and Margaret Ireland, [marriage] circa 6 June 1679.]
It is interesting to note that both of Anne Bludworth's husbands (Sir John Jones and Judge George Jeffreys, 1st Baron) were knighted in the same year 1677. Does anyone know why they were knighted and if it is a coincidence that they were knighted in the same year?
Tue Jan 2 11:07:08 2007
Alex gabriel
can I have some pictures of chestnut avenue please.
Thu Nov 9 08:45:53 2006
simon o'corra, London
To Des Jeffery, Is the Alfred William Jeffery you mention the son of Faustin Jeffery and Fanny Heydon?
Tue Oct 17 08:08:56 2006
Simon O'Corra
My 4 x great grandfather was Faustn Jeffery who said in 1851 census that he was born in Huntspill Somerset although his son John said he was born in Huntspill Shropshire. Family legend says Faustin was French and was married to Catherine (?) in Dublin. Clues anyone?
Thu Sep 28 07:48:48 2006
Marc Lyth, Salford
I'm also a direct ancestor of the good old hanging judge. I have to confess to not knowing much about him. He's on my mother's paternal grandfather's side. Amusingly, if you follow a slightly different route through my ancestors, sticking to parents and grandparents only, I'm also a direct descendant of Edward Teach, otherwise known as Blackbeard.
Mon Sep 11 11:59:21 2006
Sandy Brodine from Australia
Dear Stephen from Australia, I'm sorry for taking so long to get back to you. I am descended from John Middleton Jeffreys' daughter, Agnes Margaret. If you could contact me that would be great. There is a judge in the family story - but it's not this one - hence my grandmother's confusion! Hope you see this email and looking forward to hearing from you!
Fri Aug 4 08:08:06 2006
David Wyn Jones, Colwyn Bay
As a young boy I lived in Chestnut Ave, on the old council estate, just below the hall. In the 1950s we used to cross the fields ( now houses) from where I lived to play in the old hall. We were always careful not to be caught as there was a caretaker of sorts who used to live, I think, in the old stable blocks that still exist. I remember, on more than one occasion, this man entering the building whilst we were there, we were never caught though, as we always hid in the attic. Things were different then, we never thought of vandalising anything and simply ran around the huge empty rooms playing hide and seek or something similar. I also remember the park and lake to the rear of the property, it was a regular spot for me and my friends to fish. The gardens were always immaculate with pleasant wooded walks, lily ponds and vigilant park wardens. I was horrified when I returned there about 20 years ago, other than the lake the gardens were hardly recognisable, having been vandalised and trashed where ever you looked.
It is a shame the National Trust did not exist in those days, I am sure the hall would have been saved for the nation.
Tue May 2 08:37:19 2006
Janet Dampney, Narrabri Austra
I have just come across this site and found it very interesting. My grandmother's maiden name was Esther Jeffery and according to our family trees, a descendant of John Jefferys of Acton who claimed to be a descendant of Tuder Trevor, John married Margaret Ireland and had 7 sons, the eldest son John married Esther Williams. George Jeferys (the hanging judge was their sixth son, whom according to our tree lost all his sons who died in infancy but 2, only one son John inherited his father's title, the other died - the surviving son John had two children one died in infancy and a daughter Hen! rietta married Thomas Earl of Pomfret. According to our records we descend from the hanging judge's brother Edward (b1661?) (who penned his name Jeffery) who had several children one of whom was Thomas who had a son Mathew who married Honor Battys, who in turn had a son Isaac who married Rebecca Picket who had four surviving children one of whom was my great-great grandfather William. Other than old family documents and family trees one of which was compiled in the 1700s we have only substantiated info back to Isaac.
Wed Apr 26 12:37:56 2006
Sandy Brodine from Australia
Dear Stephen (from Australia)
Sounds like we're talking about the same ancestor: John Middleton Jeffreys. I would like to hear from you if you could contact me that would be great. Look forward to hearing from you!
Cheers
Sandy
Wed Apr 19 14:04:20 2006
Stephen Jeffreys Australia
A reply to Sandy from Melbourne Australia. John Middleton Jeffreys was my great grandfather, he arrived in Aust sometime in the 1850's. Born 1831 The Mumbles Wales, parents were Richard William Jeffreys and Jane Agnes Middleton. He married Margaret Agnes Broughton in Australia, resided in Avenel near Euroa in Victoria. Their children were George William, Agnes Margaret,William Richard, Catherine Elizabeth, Emma Cecelia, Georgina, John Middleton jnr and Dodsworth (my grandfather) as far as I am aware there is no direct relationship to the 'Hanging Judge'. Have some history relating back to the 1200's
Cheers
Sun Mar 19 14:50:59 2006
Bradley Jeffreys from USA
I have several years' worth of Jeffreys research focusing on those in Breconshire and later, Carmarthenshire (Swansea, Llandovery). Judge George Jeffreys was not related to the Jeffreys who were Breconshire gentry for the past few hundred years. Jane from Peterborough, your family may well be descended from the Jeffreys of Brecon.
Sun Mar 12 17:55:19 2006
Paul Sewell, Chesterfield
I cannot claim any relationship to Judge Jefferys other than when I married, my 'Best Man' was Terence Jeffery who is a direct decendant of the notorious judge. Terence has two sisters , Wendy and Brenda .
Sun Feb 26 14:58:58 2006
Gordon Jeffery, Portsmouth
Referring to Claire Jeffery's comment.
Also a Brownlow-Jeffery descendent, although I had regarded the Brownlow- bit as something of an affectation. I have never heard of David, or William Jeffery and should Claire come back to this website, it would be fascinating to know what she knows that associates the Judge with Brownlow, and indeed, where her pedigree meets mine!
Tue Jan 10 14:57:13 2006
Geoff Betton from Perth ,Western Australia.
I have copies of old letters in which, is a family tree of Jeffreys of Dyfi Castle.
Edward Jeffreys born 1720 died 1801.His son
was Robert Jeffreys born 1744 died 1801.He had nine children, two sons were George and Edward; Relatives being Cludde, Owen,Cockburn,Wood,Loxdale & Saxton.
Thu Dec 29 05:59:05 2005
Gordon Jeffery
Pity these comments are not dated. I am also of the (discarded/vestigal) Brownlow Jeffery line!
I would be interested to know how discarding "Brownlow" weakened any percieved association with Judge Jeffreys. Is there a link?
Tue Dec 27 16:41:53 2005
Gary Somers Jeffery from Melbourne Australia
My grandparents were Norman Jeffery and Gwendaline Jeffery of Pine Lodge near Shepparton. They used to tell me that we were related to juge Jeffrey and a few of his mean stories. I am also related to Lord Somers through my Grandmothers side. Does anyone know where along the line the name changed. And if anyone has any history on my first ancestors that came to australia. I'm pretty sure that my Grandfather's father was Edgar Jeffery.
Any help would be great.
Kind regards, Gary Jeffery.
Wed Dec 21 02:43:09 2005
Trevor, Wrexham
The site of the former Acton Hall has now been transformed by builders Bloorhomes. The Hall has been rebuilt using newer materials and sold off as apartments. There are some 20 odd exclusive houses built in the grounds to the rear of the hall. Apparently builders working on the site have been aware of strange happenings whilst working there. The new estate is now called Acton Hall Walks.
Sun Oct 30 21:41:25 2005
Gary Jones, Dargo Australia
I am searching for the trial of Benjamin Cable Tried at Wells by Judge Jeffries and transported from Bristol on the Indeavour Oct 20 1685 to Nevis or St Kitts. He had been given to Governor Stapleton. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Wed Oct 26 01:53:16 2005
Maria from Moscow, Russia
To John from London:
I am not the descendant of Judge Jeffreys, but I have some information different from yours. The fate of George and Thomas is well known. They both died in infancy as well as the rest of Judge's sons. So his descendants are:
From his 1st wife, Sarah Needham (Neesham):
1. Margaret (1668-1727), married to William Stringer
2. Sarah (1670-1703), m. to George Harnage, no issue.
3. John (1673-1702), m. Lady Charlotte Herbert, their children:
3a. Herbert (died in infancy)
3b. Henrietta Louise, m.to Thomas Fermor, the Earl of Pomfret, issue 9 children.
4. Thomas (1674-1678/9), died in infancy
5. George (1676-?, died in infancy)
6. Robert (1677-?, died in infancy)
From his second wife, Ann Jones (nee Bludworth), Lord Jeffreys had 7 children:
1. Ann (1680-?, died in infancy)
2. Thomas (1680-1680, premature)
3. Mary (1681-1711, married to Charles Dive)
4. George (1687-1687)
5. Elizabeth (b. and d. February 1683)
6. Christian (1684-1703)
7. Ann (1686-1688)
Now we see that from all his children only 6 survived infancy and only one of them was a son. His only male heir was John (also known as Jacky), and it was the permanent trouble for the second Mrs Jeffreys because her own sons all died in infancy. Despite the name, Christian was a girl, too.
Sometimes I think how painful it should be to see almost all your children die before you. There's a beautiful folklore story about Ann, his little daughter from the second marriage, she lay dangerously ill in Leatherhead and he came to her deathbed at night to say her last goodbye, on the eve of the his own end hastened by the Glorious revolution.
Thu Oct 13 23:19:51 2005
Freda Ayres
There is still a farm in Felindre, Swansea, that is owned by the Jeffreys, apparently from the same family. We are supposed to be related as well, but I haven't done any investigation.
Sun Oct 9 21:44:12 2005
John, London
To Wendy and all others who claim to be direct descendant of George Jeffreys, 1st Baron of Wem, Bulstrode, Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire and Shropshire. Please explain how you can be? Georges only male heir, from his first wife, James 2nd Baron of Wem, himself only had a daughter. His other two sons George and Thomas, by his second wife were children when the Judge died having had all his estates confiscated. They disappeared into obscurity, not to say poverty. Therefore, I would be fascinated how the very many people claim to be great grand children 10 times over because they are called Jeffreys. It strikes me that unless you can prove there was another surviving heir that my records do not show or you have information regarding George or Thomas, your lineage is incomplete.
Tue Sep 6 12:02:13 2005
David Bradshaw from Bally, Pennsylvania
My grandmother was a Jeffreys, and from information I just got from my mother, like Stephen of Shropshire, the Judge's brother James is my ancesteral grandfather. In just a couple hours tonight, I have add about 300 years to my Jeffreys line...Ran across this site while searching.
Wed Aug 31 05:34:50 2005
Sarah Jane Hollings from Hemel Hempstead
I believe I am definitely related to the judge as he appears on my family tree on my father's side (Hollings). I just happened to come across this site on a whim so I haven't got the relevant papers to hand but I shall definitely look over it all and post what I find.
Sun Aug 21 13:45:26 2005
Tony Small, ex. Wrexham
The old Acton Hall was definitely demolished in the 1950s. During the Second World War it was used to house American troops who left the place in such a mess it was only fit for demolition.
Fri Aug 12 14:49:09 2005
K. Williams
No relation to the famous judge, however a friend and I are hoping to lease the restaurant in Dorchester, Dorset(Judge Jefferys). We are going along today for a second viewing. It is supposed to be haunted by your relative and sports two rather grim paintings of him! However I would be extremely keen to hear from any of you on your thoughts and ideas for the regeneration of this historical Grade 2 listed building.
Tue Aug 9 09:24:48 2005
Sandy, Melbourne Australia
My grandmother says that her grandmother, a Jeffreys was also a decendant of the Bloody Judge. I too would like to know if it is true. She was the daughter of John Middleton Jeffreys born in The Mumbles near Swansea, Wales. His father and grandfather etc were all involved in the law and local government in Swansea as Aldermen. I know quite a bit about them but haven't managed to get as far back as the 1600s yet. Does anyone know if this Swansea Jeffrey's family is related to the Bloody Judge Jeffreys tree?
Any help would be great!
Cheers
Sandy
Wed Jul 6 13:00:58 2005
Nick Wright from Devon
Do any Jeffries there have connections with Wrights? I have encountered two Wrights in the last week who say that there was a family story that they were descended from Judge Jeffries, and one of the families was using Jeffries as a family second name at the end of the 19th C.
Wed Jun 22 21:57:14 2005
Gwyn D Morgan, Sydney, Australia
My paternal great great grand mother was a Jeffries and we have always believed a descendant of the Hanging Judge. I am in the process of tracing our family history and any comments/information would be greatly appreciated.
Mon Jun 13 01:37:12 2005
Maria from Moscow, Russia
Judge Jeffreys is the main subject of my enduring investigation although he isn't my ancestor. I have found this wonderful thread some time ago - see what I have found to some of the questions. To John Hewitt, Worcester: Yes, Judge Jeffreys really could be called a "Wem man" because on December 23, 1684 he purchased the manor of Wem and choose the name Jeffreys of Wem as his barony. His son was the 2nd and the last Baron Jeffreys of Wem. --To Claire Jeffery from Bristol and Chrissie, Essex UK/Melb., Australia: There's no problem in different spelling of the name Jeffreys. He himself spelled it differently at different times in his life. The known forms are: Jeffries, Jefferies, Jefferys, Jeffereys, Jeffrys, Jeffryes and Jeffreys, the form he used after getting a peerage. In old documents and his papers there could be found all these forms of spelling, although in the historic books he is spelled always Jeffreys. I believe there's no reason to stop searching even if the spelling differs. It is, possibly, not because of infamy etc. It may mean, that you are descendant from his close relatives, like his brothers, unkles and nieces, because they used not only the "Jeffreys" form, but the other variations.
Sun Jun 12 10:39:59 2005
Bert, Brisbane, Australia
I grew up in the 60s about 500m from the Acton Hall site and attended Acton junior school which is about 300m from where Acton Hall was.
The building was demolished before I was born but the foundations and some outbuiding walls still remained up until the council decided to put rubbish skips on the site. About 1969 the large house adjacent to the stables was also demolished, I was only young but recall it as being considerably more than just stables, I have never heard any mention of this house since. We used to play inside the condemmed building and spook each other with hanging judge humour.
Thu Jun 2 11:20:43 2005
Rob Verner-Jeffreys from Hampshire
My father, also called Robert, is a keen genealogist and can trace our descent in more or less a straight line from the hanging judge.
He has done a great deal of work on the family tree and, although he himself does not yet have access to the internet or e-mail, I'd be happy to pass on enquiries.
Wed Jun 1 16:09:36 2005
DES JEFFERY
I always remembered the stories my grandfather used to tell me, about being related to judge jeffrey (spelt differently than my own) and the reason behind it. MY grandfathers name was CYRIL JEFFERY, his father being ALFRED WILLIAM JEFFERY. The only story that comes to mind at this time is that judge jeffrey was a policeman before he became a judge and i have in my possession his hand cuffs which where handed down to me, more information will follow as I look it out.
Fri May 13 19:29:23 2005
Adrian Jeffreys - Brisbane - Australia
Well its a long shot but my family hails from the UK - emigrating in 1950 - grandfather - Reginald Granville Jeffreys - a painter/decorator by trade his father a train conductor on the line that went to fishguard?. My Dad - Keith Allan Jeffreys always said we where from the hanging judges family tree ??
Wed May 11 13:40:40 2005
John Hewitt, Worcester
I am from Wem in Shropshire. Forgive me but I always understood that Judge Jeffreys was a Wem Man? They used to say that it was what Wem was famous for.
Thu Apr 14 20:03:19 2005
david, wrexham
the gates are still there, next to the Four Dogs pub. the old Acton Hall is now being turned into flats.
Sat Mar 26 15:01:27 2005
Fay Simpson from Sydney Aust.
My late husband's mother (maiden name Wyld)has always said they came from the hanging Judge Jeffreys.In fact my late husband John Simpson, we always joked about how he no doubt came from the Judge,he too was that type of man. It is hard to trace back so many years, where does one start.
Fri Mar 25 12:43:08 2005
Chrissie, Essex UK/Melb., Australia
I too was told I am related to the Judge. My mother's maiden name was Jefferies, but I haven't started to look into it properly yet.M y mother's parents were married in Melbourne Australia. She was told by her father Ernest Frank Jefferies that the spelling change was due to the stigma of being associated with the infamous judge. Really fascinating stuff, will post anything I manage to find out.
Sat Feb 19 12:03:03 2005
Natasha Long (Jeffreys) of Arizona
I have been told that I am a decendent of the hanging judge, but no one can tell me how. My relatives all live in England, but records there get destroyed over time. I would really like to know more about my family tree and if I am truely judges decendent. Can anyone help?
Fri Feb 18 15:32:59 2005
Adrian Jeffery from Perth, Western Australia
My Grandmother says I'm related as well, but have no information at all. My Grandmother's maiden name is Telfer. How do we find out more information or a family tree of some sort?
Wed Feb 16 02:56:48 2005
Nigel Jefferies from Shrewsbury
Our family we think is related to him but we are not sure and find it hard to do a family tree because the second name changed along the line.
Mon Feb 7 19:04:59 2005
Claire Jeffery from Bristol
I have just started to look into my family tree after years of being told that we come from Judge Jeffreys' line. As you can see we spell our name differently and I have always been told that up to a few generations ago we were called Brownlow-Jeffery (?) but dropped it because of the association with the 'hanging judge'. My father is David, my grandfather is William. I have stumbled upon a record of the judge's daughter - Anne, born 1686 and baptised at St Giles Church, London, and they provide a search service. Hope this has been useful. I am fascinated with my history and I am related to Malcolm Arnold the composer, so rooting around for this info is amazing - thank goodness for the net! I will keep you posted with my findings.
Sat Jan 1 23:33:43 2005
Sara Ralphs, Staffordshire
I have just noted the entry from Jenna in Canada, I am also related to Judge Jeffreys but do not have any other information other than my late aunt traced our family tree back and came across the relationship. I am not sure whether it is my mother or father's side of the family but given my mother's family were Welsh/Irish decendants I suspect it was on my late mother's side. My mother's maiden name was Sansom and they lived in Wales, my mother was born in Ryton Eleven Towns. This is fascinating, if anyone knows any more please get in touch.
Wed Oct 27 13:51:19 2004
