"There are many families of English descent living in North America today who are descendants of Strouds or Strodes.
"As to the origin of the name, some say it is Saxon, and that in the early Tenth Century it was spelled Strodg. But there are many others who differ with this belief and claim that the name Stroud is of Norman origin. Whichever its origin may be, all authorities agree that in ancient records it has been spelled in many different ways -- Strode, Strowde, Strood, and Stroud -- all of them often referring to the same person.
"To be better informed about the family of Strouds and Strodes (most common spelling) it is well to know early English history, the history of that country when it was known as Britannia. At that time it was composed of present-day England, Wales, and Southern Scotland; the boundary line between it and Scotland being the Cheviot Hills and the Tweed River. And the first recalled mention of it was by the Phoenician traders who went there often to obtain tin.
"Following the Phoenicians came the Romans under Julius Caesar. The subjugation of the Britons began in 43 A.D. under Emperor Claudius, and was completed under Agricola during the years 78 to 81 A.D. From then it remained in the Roman hands until 410 A.D.
"When the Romans withdrew from Briton, the Picts and Scots swept down upon it from the North. TheBritons then invited the Teutonic tribes (German) of Angles, Saxons, and Jutes to come help them drive out the invaders. This they did, but when they had done so, they turned upon the Britons and drove them into remote corners of Wales, Cornwall, and Cumberland before they established kingdoms of their own -- the Angles in Northumbria, East Anglis and Mercia; the Saxons in Sussex, Essex, and Wessex; and the Jutes in Kent.
"From 827 A.D. to 1016 A.D. there was a long line of Anglo-Saxon sovereigns ruling England. Then came the Danish line of sovereigns, reigning until the year 1042 A.D. This was followed by the resotration of Anglo-Saxon sovereigns for twenty-four years.
"In 1066 William, Duke of Normandy (Northwestern France), with about 5,000 soldiers, crossed the English channel to invade Sussex and conquer the Saxons. When the Normans won the Battle of Hastings, it meant the submission of all England to their leader, William the Conqueror.
"William's character was spirited, haughty, and tyrannical, but not without a generous portion of affection for his Norman followers. He disgusted his English subjects in many ways, but especially by the strong partiality which he had shown to the Normans -- preferring them in all offices of trust and dignity.
"Descendants of the Normans became the ruling class of England. The Normans were a race of conquerors, with a genius for law and government. They ruled England with great ability.
"The English language, literature, and architecture owe much to the Normans. At first the Normans spoke French, but subsequently the Norman French blended with the Germanic tongue of the Anglo-Saxons and became English.
"The Strode family (of Parnham, Dorset County) is an ancient knightly one, whose original progenitor in England is said to have been Warinus (Warine) de la Strode. This Warinus de la Strode apparently came to England in 1066 in the retinue of William the Conqueror as one of his warriors. It was also claimed that he was in the Battle of Hastings on 14 October 1066 when King Harold was slain. The prefix of 'de la' to the Strode name lends strong credence to the French or Norman origin of the family.
"The consequence of the Battle of Hastings was submission of all England to William the Conqueror, who had challenged Harold's right to be its king. As a result of this submission, William was crowned King William I of England on 25 December 1066.
"Early in his reign, King William I introduced into England the feudal law, dividing the whole Kingdom except the royal demesne in baronies and bestowing most of them, under the tenure of military service, upon his Norman followers. Warinus de la Strode, being one of these followers, had a vast estate granted him. He was knighted by King William I.
"From 'Ancient Pedigrees, Evidences, and Records Collected and Drawn' by Sir John Strode, who died in 1636 at the age of 75 years, it is possible to learn much about these knightly STRODES. Especially can this be done if the chart is used in conjunction with notes of John Hutchins in his The History and Antiquities of the County of Dorset.
"By recording the facts listed in this chart, and the notes of Hutchins, much confusion would result if a means to differentiate people were not used. Accordingly, as had been done by both Sir John Strode and John Hutchins, capital letters (in parentheses) will be used to distinguish each succeeding generation in the early times....
"Warinus de la Strode (A) came to England in the year 1066 A.D. in the retinue of William the Conqueror. Hutchins stated Warinus...'the Normandy family of Geofroi, Duke of Bretagne (son, grandson, or nephew), and to have borne their arms (coat of arms), ermine in a canton sable, an etoile of five points argent.' This is similar to the coat of arms issued to the English Strodes and gives further credence to the origin of the Strodes. The Geogroi, Duke of Bretagne, mansion house stood 11 miles south of Strasbourg, France.
"Warinus' wife's name is not known, but it is known that he obtained an estate upon which he built a commodious manor house (Strode Manor) and lived there until his death, rearing sons and daughters. His lineal heir was William de la Strode.
"William de la Strode, knight (B), inherited Strode Manor from his father, and lived there during part of the reign of William the Conqueror, bearing the same arms as did his father, Warinus. William's son and heir was John de Strode, knight. Note that by this time the prefix 'de la' has now become 'de'.
"John de Strode, knight (C), heir of William de Strode, lived at Strode Manor during the time of William Rufus (King William II), the third son of William I. In a deed, without date and written in French, John de Strode granted and released to his sone and heir, Hugh (D), land in Lidlinch. Other deeds without dates were transferred to John de Strode (C). The use of French provides further credence to the Norman or French ancestry.
"Hugh de Strode, esquire (D), son and heir of John de Strode, knight (C), lived at Strode Manor during the time of the youngest and only English born son of William the Conqueror, King Henry I. In 1107, Hugh (D) witnessed a deed of John de Windlescore which granted to his brother, Thomas, the custody of land in Windlescore.
"John de Strode, knight (E), and Robert de Strode, gentlemen (F), were the sons of Hugh de Strode, esquire (D). John de Strode, knight (E), and heir of Hugh de Strode, esquire (D), by deed without date, gives to his brother, Robert de Strode, gentleman (F), and his own son, Peter, certain land in de Feescent and Middleton; remainder of it to his son, Hugh, brother of Peter. Sir John Strode (E) lived during the reign of Henry I and Stephen.
"By two deeds without date, David de Childhaye gave to Robert de Strode, gentleman (F), son of Hugh, a manse in Crockhaye. By another deed without date, William Foel of Broadwindsor gave this same Robert three acres in Over Wansley. By another deed, Alexander Barnard gave to Robert all his rights in land in Nether Wansley.
"Hugh de Strode, knight (G), lineal heir of John de Strode, knight (E), lived during the reign of Henry I and Stephen (1100-1154). This Hugh had a son and lineal heir, Robert de Strode. Robert de Strode (F), son of Hugh de Strode (D), gave to his nephew, Sir Hugh de Strode (G), all his lands and rents in Broadwindsor, West Huestock, Eberworth, Nether Wansley, Over Wansley, Winzor Causey, Overstand le Down and Childhaye, County of Dorset, with house, lands of freemen, and villains, wards, reliefs, heriots, escheats, and liberties there, to him and his heirs; remainder to John, brother of Hugh (G). These lands eventually descended to Sir John de Strode, who was the John de Strode who collected and drew up the pedigree chart of the Parnham Strodes (which is being followed), along with his successors, where he lived until his death in 1636.
"Returning to earlier times, another deed without date, Robert de Strode (F), canon of Sarum, gave to Hugh de Strode, knight (G), his land in West Huestock, Dibberwood, Over Wansley, Down and Childhaye, which was still in the family. That this Hugh de Strode lived during the reign of Henry II (1154-1181) is apparent by the character of the writing.
"Robert de Strode, knight (H) was the son of the last written Hugh de Strode, knight. By deed without date, Stephen de Parnham gave to Hawise, his son, land in vill of Parnham. By another deed, David de Chickley gave to Robert, son of Hugh de Strode, knight (G), and his heir, a house in Windsor. This Robert de Strode lived during the reign of Richard I (1189-1199).
"John de Strode, knight (I), was the son and heir of Robert de Strode, knight (H), and lived during the reign of John and Henry III (1216-1272). From a record preserved in the Tower the following fact is substantiated: John de Strode, knight (I), was High Sheriff of Somerset and Dorset Counties during this time.
"Nicholas de Strode, esquire (K), was the son and heir of John de Strode, knight (I), and grandson of Robert de Strode, knight (H). The Leiger Book of Abbotsbury, then in the hands of Sir John Strangways of Melbury, mentions that Nicholas de Strode, knight (1249), during the reign of Henry III, gave to the abbey his lands and tenements at Tolpuddle.
"John de Strode, knight (L), second son of John de Strode, knight (I), and brother of Nicholas de Strode, esquire (K), lived during the reign of Henry III.
"Hugh de Strode, knight (M), was son and heir of Nicholas de Strode, esquire (K). He married Beatrix (Beatrice), daughter of John de Bitton, knight, by his wife Hiwisia, daughter and co-heir of Mat Furneaux, County Somerset. This Hugh was living during the reign of Edward I (1272-1307), and was given land in Childhaye for term of life, at three shilling rent. By Hugh's marriage with Beatrix Bitton, their descendants were permitted to bear arms (Ermine a canton sable), and his family inherited the manor of Purefurneaux, Strengston, and the Castle of Deusborough on Quantock Hill, also manor of Sharpton.
"Hugh de Strode, knight (N) of Chalmington, son and heir of Hugh de Strode and Beatrix Bitton Strode, married Beatrix, daughter of Fitchett, and their descendants were permitted to bear Arms (Gules, a lion rampant or, over all a bend ermine).
"In the sixteenth year of the reign of Edward II, this Hugh released to John Chickley and heirs land in Rigge; the same year demised land in Bowdon in the Ford and Knighton, County Wilts.
"In the seventeenth year of the reign of Edward II (1307-1327), he granted Henry Strode (O), his son, the said yearly rent for nine years of ten shillings, and after nine years, sixty shillings rent on the land he demised in Bowdon in the Ford and Knighton, County Wilts.
"This Hugh de Strode (N), is not styled at Chalmington in the old deeds referred to in the above notes, which are dated at Hewstock. Hewstock at the time was probably his residence. The ancient places of residence of the Strode family were at Strode Manor and Hewstock, until Richard Strode (S) during the time of Henry VI (1422-1461), moved to Parnham. Occasionally the families resided at Chalmington; and also at Chantmarle, after Sir John Strode, who had purchased Chantmarle and rebuilt the house, had succeeded to the family mansion at Parnham.
"Henry de Strode, esquire (O), son of Hugh de Strode, knight (N), and Beatrix Fitchet Strode, married Maud (or Matilda), daughter and heir of de Bauprea (Beaupres). By the marriage of Henry with Matilda de Bauprea, the manor of Middleway and Inclestreet came into this family. Henry demised a tenement at Stapleford for life at eight shillings rent.
"In 1361, during the reign of Edward III (1327-1377), John, bishop of ... Badensis, by indenture under his seal, gives forty days pardon to all who would pray for the souls of Henry, his wife Maud (Matilda), John his son, and Joan his daughter, who had given goods for the advancement of a chapel in Chalmington in Catstock. In 1366 and 1370, Robert, Bishop of Sarum, by indenture, under the seal of Edward III, granted forty days pardon to those who should pray for the souls of said Henry, Matilda, wife of Henry, and Beatrice, mother of Henry, who had liberally given their goods to said chapel.
"Hugh de Strode, esquire (P), son and heir of Henry de Strode and Matilda, married Beatrix (Beatrice) de Button and had issue: Henry, son and heir; Edmund; and daughter, Jane. In the 24th year of the reign of Edward III, Maud (Matilda), wife of Henry de Strode (O) and mother of Hugh de Strode (P), granted to him and Beatrix his wife, her lands, etc. in Hewstock, Nether Wansley, Chalmington and Lidlinch for her life at ten shillings rent and necessary diet, lodging and apparel. Also in this list she included diet for her son Edmund.
"In the forty-fourth year of the reign of Edward III, Hugh de Strode was granted the land of Strode in Lidlinch for life at the rent of four marks.
"Edmund de Strode (Q) was the second son of Henry and Matilda. His brother Hugh (P) confirmed to him for life the grant of Maud, his mother, of lands in Nether Wansley and Broadwindsor.
"Edmund (Q) gave the manor of Hemsworth to the abbey of Milton during the tenth year of the reign of Richard II. In this grant Edmund made to the abbey and convent of Milton, he said that he had by deed in the second year of the reign of Richard II, also granted all his land in Clifton and in Brod Sidling to the abbot with warranty.
"Henry de Strode, esquire (R), son and heir of Hugh de Strode, knight (P), and Matilda de Bauprea Strode, married Elizabeth, daughter and heir of John and Joan Brent. Their son and heir was Richard de Strode, esquire, of Parnham, and was the great-great-grandson of Hugh and Beatrice Fitchett. He and his descendants bore Arms (Gules, a wyvern argent).
"By deed during the reign of Richard II (1377-1399), Hugh de Strode (P), then of Hewstock, granted to Henry (R), his son and heir, his lands, etc. ... in Hewstock, Dibberworth, Causey, Hurst at le Dorn in Broadwindsor, Lidlinch, Stapleford, and Le Crenelle, County Dorset, with their rents, services, wards and marriages, reserving two chambers with the cellars under them, and with half the loft of the pigeon house there, and all his lands in County Wilts, with rents, etc. ... paying twenty marks per annum.
"Richard de Strode, esquire (S), was the fifteenth in descent from his ancestor, William de la Strode, son of Warinus. This Richard Strode, esq. was the son and heir of Hugh de Strode (P) and Elizabeth Brent Strode, and was twice married. His first wife was Elizabeth, daughter and heir of John Jerard (Gerard). His second wife was Margaret, relict of Walter Chantmarle. Margaret died without having issue by Richard. Richard and Elizabeth had sons: Edmund, son and heir, and William de Strode, esquire.
"Richard de Strode (S) and Elizabeth moved to Parnham during the reign of King Richard II (1377-1399). They had lived at West Hewstock in Berminster. Hutchins reported that Elizabeth inherited Parnham from her parents, John Jerard and Elizabeth Chaldecot (Chickly). Vestiges of Parnham remain and still show where it is reported to have stood. It was still in the family in the mid 1900's.
"William de Strode, esquire (T), first son and heir of Richard de Strode, esquire of Parnham and Elizabeth Jerard Strode married Alys (Alice), daughter and heir of Roger Ledred (de Leddred), esquire.
"In the 36th year of Henry VI's (1422-1462) reign, by fine granted to John Nelway Etc. ... land in West Haygrove, Trent, Horsington, Higham, Netherham, Stowel, South Cadbury, Bobcary, Somerston, Ilchester, Langport, Estover, and Weston, County Somerset; the manor of North Week, land in Axminster, Okeber, Trill and Chilton, County Devon; and they rendered to William (T) and Alys and the heirs of Alys the said manors and lands; remainder to the right heirs of Robert Ledred. By this marriage of William de Strode (T) with Alys Ledred the lands mentioned came into the Strode family.
"The said William de Strode (T) by a letter of attorney in the 14th year of Edward IV's reign authorizes a person to deliver to William (U) his son, lands in the manors of Chalmington, Debberworth, Buckham, Bell and Blackdown, County of Dorset; and Boyden, County of Wilts. Records show a deed of feoffment made by William (T) to William (U), the son.
"William de Strode (U) of Chalmington married Alianor, daughter of John Cheney (Cheyen) of Pinho, County Devon. The issues of William (U) and Alianor Strode were: Richard, heir; William, and John. Richard, first born, died without a male issue, so William the second son became heir.
"The third son, John (V) married Joan Okele (Okle), daughter of John Okele and became the progenitor to the line of Shepton Mallet Strodes.
"In John Collinson's History of West Cranmore, he states that the name of Strode in Shepton-Mallet has for at least four hundred years been a well known one. And he also says that the Strodes were persons of good social position and wealth, and that some of them, during the most eventful times, and under the most difficult and trying circumstances, strongly stood their ground and resolutely resisted their oppressor, even at the risk of their own lives and loss of personal wealth. This is an understatement as will be shown in the following ....
"John de Strode (V), the third son of William and Alianor de Strode, was progenitor of the Shepton-Mallet Strodes in County Somerset. He married Joan Okele by whom he had son and heir, Walter Strode (W), who succeeded him to the Shepton-Mallet estate. Walter's son and heir was Thomas Strode. Note that the prefix 'de' has been dropped from the Strode name."
Thomas STRODE was born about 1493 at Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England, the son of John de Strode and Joan Okele.
He married ?.
Their children, born at Shepton Mallet, were:
Edward STRODE was born about 1515 at Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England, the son of Thomas Strode and ?.
He married Alice Whiting at Somerset.
The LDS Ancestry File reports that their children, all born at Shepton Mallet, were (Wallace Barr reports only Thomas, William and Edward with no dates):
The LDS Ancestry File reports that Edward died on 3 March 1555 at Shepton Mallet. However, Wallace Barr reports that his will was proved 11 October 1593.
William STRODE was born about 1566 at Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England, the son of Edward Strode and Alice Whiting.
He was a clothier.
He married Elizabeth Upton at Worminster, Near Wells, Somerset.
Their children, all born at Shepton Mallet, were:
William died on 22 August 1592 at Shepton Mallet.
William STRODE was born in 1589 at Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England, the son of William Strode and Elizabeth Upton.
He married Joan (or Joanne) Barnard in 1621 at Downside, Shepton Mallet.
Their children were:
"William followed commercial pursuits from which he acquired great wealth and reputation for integrity and honesty. In 1627 he purchased the estate of Barrington Court, in Somerset County, which had a great mansion house upon it. Then in a very short time, he became owner of many other estates -- at Martlock, Glastonbury, Street, and other places in Somersetshire.
"In Richard Symond's Diary, Symond states that 'William Strode ... lived at Barrington -- 3 myle from Ilminister -- had another house at Street, and hath all the parsonages between this town and Barrington ... his wealth was obtained by being a factor in Spain and the inheritance he received from his father, William Strode, who was a clothier in Shepton-Mallet ...'
"The Strodes served over a 200 year period as members of Parliament from Somerset County. William Strode was reelected as a member of Parliament to represent Ilchester, County Somerset in 1640. Thus he served his county in one of the most momentous times in English history. The Long Parliament (1640-1653) had two William Strodes as members. This has caused much confusion.
"The similarities of names and principals for which both stood caused this William Strode of Barrington and the William Strode, 'one of five members' impeached by Charles I, to be confused by historians, who should have known better. While William Strode of Barrington was in Parliament, having been returned there from the borough of Ilchester, and being a member of the Long Parliament of 1640, he could not have been one of the 'five members' for the following reasons:
"William Strode, M.P. -- 'The Member' -- died in 1645 and was buried in Henry VII's Chapel in Westminster Abbey. William Strode of Barrington did not die until 1666.
"That there were two contemporary William Strodes, who were members of the Long Parliament, is clearly proven by the Calendar of State Papers, '... Proclamation for the apprehension of William Strode of the County of Devon, who was accused of sedition ... was one of the representatives of the borough of Beer Alston in Devonshire.
"In Collision's Notes and Queries, Second Series, Volume XII, on page 461, '...William Strode, 'the member' ... son of Sir William Strode of Devon ... Beer Alson ... Long Parliament of 1640 ... died 1645.' To compound confusion the fathers of these two Williams were also named William.
"William Strode, M.P. for Ilchester in the Long Parliament of 1640, was son of William Strode, clothier of Shepton-Mallet ... he distinguished himself by opposition to the King's authority in Somersetshire ... The State Papers abound with notices of him during this period, and he appears to have been a source of trouble and annoyance to the King, the Bishop, and the Sheriff ... funeral for him was held in the year 1666.
"There is more than sufficient evidence to distinguish between the two William Strodes. Both were heavily involved in the opposition to King Charles I as members of Parliament. This mistaken identity has caused much confusion and misinformation amongst Strode descendants in the U.S. Many American descendants have claimed descent from William of Devonshire, the 'one of five members' impeached. In many cases the tradition has been perpetuated without documentation. We feel confident that William Strode of Barrington, Somersetshire is the correct ancestor to the line of Strodes being traced."
William died on 20 December 1666 at Barrington and was buried at Beminster, Dorset, England.
Wallace Barr, Jr., in The Strode - Barr Descendancy includes a chapter entitled "The Strodes of Shepton Mallet and Civil War" (referencing The Shepton Mallet Story: A Brief Historical Sketch by Fred Davis, Alan Blandford and Lewis Beckerleg, The Shepton Mallet Society, Oakhill Press, Oakhill, Somerset, United Kingdom, 1977, Chapter VI, Civil War, pp. 45-77) which sheds much light on the turbulence of the times for the England and for the Strode family:
"Charles I became king in 1625 when the country was in a troubled and disturbed state. During the first four years of his reign, he called three parliaments, with all of which he quarreled and dismissed. Thus, Charles reigned without a parliament in an arbitrary and oppressive manner for eleven years. In 1640 he was forced to call Parliament. William Strode (1589-1666, discussed above) was an elected member of this parliament from Ilchester, Somerset County. This Parliament is known as the Long Parliament because it was in session from 1640 to 1653.
"This chapter will focus on the role of William Strode in the Civil War and his descendants' role in the rebellion led by the Duke of Monmouth. It will help to explain why some of the Strodes came to America and provides some background for the difficulties in tracing our ancestry in a precise manner in the late 1600's and early 1700's.
"By 1640 confidence in the King had waned to low levels; he could not be trusted and the country was in danger of anarchy. During the debate, the King's friends in Parliament became known as 'Royalists' or 'Cavaliers'. The opposition led by Oliver Cromwell received its chief support from the merchants, shop keepers, small free holders and a whole body of non-conformists and puritan members of the Church of England. The opposition were known as 'Roundheads' or 'Parliamentarians'. The Royalists were largely the nobles, clergy, country gentlemen, Roman Catholics, and others who disliked puritan austerity.
"The demands (19 propositions) of Parliament were such that the King would become a puppet. At this point (1642) Charles I chose to draw the sword and the situation reached its climax on the battlefield in a storm of violence usually witnessed only in civil or religious strife. This was a combination of both.
"The following description of events occurred in Somerset County and largely in Shepton Mallet. The Marquess of Hertford, heading up the Royalists' efforts headquartered in Wells, north of Shepton Mallet, issued warrants to several 'hundred' of people requiring them to supply men and arms.
"The Deputy Lieutenant of the County retaliated by issuing warrants instructing the 'hundred' to ignore the Marquess and to adhere to Parliament. The Deputy Lieutenant and committee announced a meeting to be held at Shepton Mallet on 1 August 1642 to take measures to preserve the peace.
"The Marquess at Wells instructed Sir Ralph Hopton, M.P., Royalist Thomas Smith, and Sir Fernando Gorges with 100 mounted Cavaliers to ride to Shepton Mallet and publish the Commission of Array.
"The following morning Colonel William Strode, hearing of Sir Ralph Hopton's intentions, rode from his manor house with his son and four servants, all but two of them well armed. They reached the marketplace in Shepton Mallet about the same time as Sir Ralph Hopton and his Cavaliers. Colonel Strode demanded to know the reason for the Cavaliers' visit and such a show of arms. Sir Ralph bid him to alight and hear the petition read. To which Col. Strode barked: 'I came not to hear petitions, but to suppress insurrections', and considerably aroused, demanded they leave town. In reply, Sir Ralph laid hold of Col. Strode and arrested him on suspicion of treason.
"In the struggle that ensued, Sir Fernando Gorges struck Col. Strode with a halbert (similar to a pikestaff) knocking Col. Strode from his horse. A number of Cavaliers drew their swords and held their points toward his body. Seeing this, one of Col. Strode's servants drew a pistol and held it to Sir Ralph Hopton, and would have killed him but for a quick witted Sheptonian (a Mr. White) who snatched the pistol from him.
"Col. Strode thus arrested was handed over to the local constable. Sir Ralph started to read the Royalist Petition, and asked for supporters to come forward. After much mumbling and cursing from the large and rapidly growing crowd, only one man stepped forward, one Nicholas Dawton, which Col. Strode was asked to notice. To which he shouted: 'This is of no surprise to me. For this man is but one of the incendiaries of the town, but we are of the County and of Parliament and I demand, therefore, sir, you quit the town.' On this the constable was instructed to take Colonel Strode before the Marquess of Hertford at Wells.
"But shortly, a disturbance from the direction of Town Street caused a distraction. A single Cavalier came at full gallop and forced his way through the dense crowd to Sir Ralph Hopton's side and told him that many country folk were closing in on Shepton Mallet in support of Col. Strode. At this news Sir Ralph Hopton and his Cavaliers turned and rode in haste from Shepton Mallet, a much disillusioned and angry man. He and his followers, on retreat, were spreading violence and terror amongst those he met.
"Following the departure of the Cavaliers, the poor constable became the center of abuse and was compelled to release Col. Strode or lose his life. Col. Strode, one of Shepton Mallet's most wealthy clothiers, was loved and respected by rich and poor alike. Learning of the meeting, the tradesmen, yeomen and peasants swarmed to his support.
"Before noon, without warrant or request, upwards of 2,000 people had joined Col. Strode's ranks. Scouts reported that many people coming to join Col. Strode were met by the Royalists and were beaten and wounded with ammunition and supplies taken from them.
"As a result of the cowardly attacks, charges and counter charges between the Parliamentarians' and the Royalists' forces occurred. In another attempt to read the Commission of Array, Lord Hertford left Wells for Shepton Mallet. He was met about half way by Col. Strode and one hundred fifty horsemen. After much debate, a treacherous assault was made on Col. Strode's regiment. At least a dozen were cut to pieces and many more injured. Despite the element of surprise, the Marquess was not able to stand it and turned tail to Wells.
"The Marquess of Hertford wrote a long letter to the House of Lords 25 August 1642 of which a small portion said '...that William Strode and George Malliard had made great preparation of arms and ammunition in the towns' houses, and divers low persons had given out that such and such houses should be fired and the streets should run with blood.'
"From an original document, being a Parliamentary levey, signed by William Strode of Shepton Mallet and dated 26th August 1644 'Whereas, this county hath extraordinarily suffered in their persons, goods, houses, lands and estates by great and bloody cruelties, oppressions, extortions, and many other wicked invertures of papist cavaliers, and other enemies ... for the prevention of further mischief, and for the preservation of the true protestant religion ... and by the authority of Parliament, require and command you to raise within your hundred fiftie able men of body and to arme them with the best armes you have or can provide and bring them to this town...'
"Later, at what became known as the 'Siege of Wells', the city found itself surrounded by Parliamentarian guns on the Bristol, Glastonbury and Shepton Mallet sides. Col. Strode had 2,000 men, ordinances, and a hundred and fifty horses. The Royalists evacuated the city. Following this the Royalists and Roundheads marched and counter marched throughout the unhappy land leaving bloodshed, violence and death in their wake. Both Royalists and Parliamentarians took their toll on Shepton Mallet, probably more from the latter, for Puritan fanaticism made sad havoc on many ecclesiastical buildings.
"Following the capture and execution of Charles I in 1649, the people of Shepton Mallet returned to manufacturing and to agriculture. The town returned with vigor to both work and leisure.
"Yet the day was not far distant when Shepton Mallet would play and even more intimate part in another drama, more bloody, more violent, than it had yet experienced -- that of the Duke of Monmouth's abortive attempt for the Crown, so bringing a reign of terror upon this town more terrible than English history has hitherto known.
"The Strodes were heavily involved in this rebellion. There are various accounts of how William Strode (?-1694), eldest son and heir of William Strode (1589-1666), entertained the Duke of Monmouth in 1680 at Barrington. In the year 1685, the Duke of Monmouth made an attempt to obtain the throne of England from his uncle, King James II. William Strode was in sympathy with Monmouth and sent him supplies of horses and money.
"While he did this, he was not the only member (of the family) who openly aided Monmouth. William's brother, Edward Strode of Downside, gave this Royal Rebel one hundred guineas. The gift of these guineas was not the only aid that Edward rendered. After the dreadful battle of Sedgmore, Somerset County, Monmouth fled to Shepton Mallet on the 6th day of July 1686. His trusy friend, Edward Strode, at the risk of his own life and fortune, gave the unfortunate fugitive shelter at Downside for the night. Monmouth presented Edward Strode with his brace of pistols as a token of gratitude for the loyalty shown him.
"Retribution came thick and fast for the rebels. Colonel Kirke with a large band of cavalry was sent to Somersetshire to 'teach the rebels a lesson.' Kirke and his forces extorted large sums of money from those that were able to pay. Edward Strode of Downside was among this group. His brother, William must have been able to buy his pardon. The accused who were poor were sentenced without trial and hanged.
"But King James II, feeling that many rich delinquents had escaped for money, sent Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys into the West County. He was the most diabolic judge that ever sat on the bench. Jeffreys was a murderous circuit judge who conducted what has become known as the Bloody Assize. Upward of 300 persons were executed after short trials; many were whipped, imprisoned and fined, and nearly 1,000 were sent as slaves to American plantations. Judge Jeffreys was rewarded by King James II with the post of lord high chancellor. After King James abdicated, the chancellor was committed to the Tower, where he died in disgrace.
"Edward Strode who gave Monmouth one hundred guineas and provided shelter while he was on the run, was granted a pardon, solely through his ability to pay for it (reportedly 40 Pounds). Perry (Octavia J. Perry in A Saga of Strouds and Strodes, Deford and Co., Baltimore, Maryland, 1966, p 45) says: 'Bernard Strode, the fifth son of William and Joan Barnard Strode, was beheaded in the Bloody Assize.' There is American tradition that Barnard was beheaded but full substantiation is lacking. On 10th March 1686 an amnesty or proclamation of pardon was issued for all those involved in the rebellion led by Monmouth.
"Obviously, Edward Strode of Downside was heavily involved in the Monmouth led rebellion of 1685. But he survived the times and remained at Downside, undoubtedly because of his wealth. This is contrary to information in the book by Perry and perpetuated by other Strode descendants. She suggests that he fled to France and/or Holland with his children and sickly wife and eventually to the colonies. Elston does not make this error.
"Photos taken in the Rectory of St. Peter and St. Paul Church in Shepton Mallet in 1986 provide proof to the contrary. There are numerous plaques and busts of the generosity of the Strodes. Two in particular are important in tracing Edward's (1630-1703) family. The first is a plaque in the Rectory stating 'Memory of Joan (Goninge) Strode, wife of edward Strode. Mrs. Joan Strode of Downside, England who had by him 10 children, 5 sons and 5 daughters of which 4 of them lyeth here underneath intered by her to wit: William, Edward, Edward, and Mary. The other six children are now living with their father to wit: Edward, John, Elizabeth, Johanna, Jane and Mercy. She (Joan) died 1st of April 1679 in the 40th year of her age.'
"There is another important plaque in the Shepton-Mallet parish church that says 'Here Relieth Edward Strode of Downside -- he departed this life the 23rd of October 1703 at the age of 73 years.'
"Still another plaque states 'Strode Bread Charity Jan. 23, 1699. Edward Strode by his will established the charity and Elizabeth, his daughter, by her will added to the fund; Rents of Farms at Winsor Hill (Downside), Sun Inn and Cottage, Townsend, Mendip and the annual dividend of L1407.16.11 at Consolidated Bank.'
"In Elston's Vol. II there is a chart that supplies basic information on William (1593-1666) and on Edward's (1630-1703) children. Edward's will abstracted by Mr. Robert Massey at the request of Elston and showed the will was dated 24 September 1697 at Shepton Mallet. Elizabeth, his unmarried daughter, was executrix. The will was proved in London 24 January 1703/04. Edward's will mentions son John and 4 daughters and their children. More importantly it says 'my son, Edward, deceased.' Thus Edward must have written his will sometime after Edward (born about 1665), our ancestor, died enroute to the New World with his family of small children.
"In Elizabeth Strode's will of 1715, there is mention made of her three sisters and their children, but no mention of Edward or John (her brothers). Elizabeth must have retained the rebellious ways of her father and other Strodes. Mention is made of her non-conformist ways and activities.
"The well documented will of Edward Strode and his daughter Elizabeth plus the inscriptions in place as of 1986 in the Shepton Mallet church identifies Edward's family. The will of Edward dated 24 September 1697 gives us positive proof that his son Edward was deceased prior to the writing of the will. Tradition in the U.S. has been that Edward died in 1703. The documented history is much more reliable than word of mouth tradition.
"The generosity of the Strode family of Shepton Mallet was initiated in the early 1600's and continued for about a century. There is a plaque at the rectory that recognizes the 'Strode School Charity.' Founded by George Strode, clothier of Shepton Mallet in County of Somerset in 1627, May 14. The objects of the Charity are the education of Poor children of the Parish of Shepton Mallet, and the Relief of Poor Widows to be nominated Alms women of the Charity by the Trustees. Rectorial tithes of parish of Meare in County Somerset, Annual rent of Globe land at Meare and annual rent at Turbury land at Meare.' George was a brother of William and an uncle of Edward of Downside."
Edward STRODE was born in 1630 at Barrington, Somerset, England, the son of William Strode and Joan Barnard.
He married Joan Gunning in 1658 at Bristol, Gloucester, England.
Their children, all born at Downside, Shepton Mallet, were:
He died on 23 October 1703 at Shepton Mallet and was buried there in the Rectory at the Parish Church.
Edward STRODE was born about 1663 to 1668, probably at Downside, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England, the son of Edward Strode and Joan Goninge.
His wife's name is not known.
Their children, possibly born in England, France and/or Holland, were:
"Elston quoting Hutchins from The History and Antiquities of the County Dorset says, 'After the accession in 1691 (correct date 13 February 1689) of Queen Mary and King William to the English Throne, Edward Strode refused to take the oath they demanded of him, and was fined forty pounds. The following year another order was issued by the Justice of the Quarter Session. This order was that the oath be administered again, and if Edward Strode still refused, he should be committed to the gaol.' Perry uses the same quote but note the error in date of accession to the throne in both cases. Neither checked their history books.
"The preponderance of evidence is that an Edward Strode, wife and children fled England and went to France and/or Holland. We know it was not Edward Strode (1630-1703) because he died in England in 1703. It must have been Edward (born c.1665), son of Edward of Downside, that fled England.
"It is very likely that Edward Strode (born c.1665) with his wife fled to France or Holland in the reign of James II (1685-1688). The Strodes were obviously strong Protestants. In addition, Edward of Downside's various episodes with the Duke of Monmouth and possible complicity of Edward (his son) could have been more than enough reason for him to flee 'with his wife, children and kinfolk.'
"If Edward fled England after William and Mary attained the throne (1689), as indicated by Hutchins, there may have been other circumstances that encouraged such action as a fine and threat to send Edward to jail. Obviously, the Strodes were non-conformist and rebellious.
"Reports vary as to the destination of the fleeing Strodes. Some contend they went to France to join the Huguenots and, due to persecution, later fled to Holland prior to coming to the New World on the Paysay. Numerous accounts written by various U.S. descendants refer to 'Hollander' or Huguenots (French Protestants). Tradition is not proof, but when accounts from widely differing sources make similar references, there is a strong likelihood of a shred of truth.
"It is agreed, I believe, that Edward, father of the Strode children -- George, Samuel, William, Edward, and probably of Martha and maybe Jeremiah, and kinfolk Barnard -- died on the Paysay (bound for America) shortly before docking at port (probably Philadelphia) and was buried in New Jersey.
"This voyage must have been in 1697, though tradition says 1703. The 1697 date seems the most logical, given Edward Strode's (1630-1703) will dated 24 September 1697 referring to 'my son, Edward, deceased.' In addition, Elston quotes from Administration of Estates Record Bk. A 1683-1700, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that 'the estate of Edward Stroud of Philadelphia, intestate, granted 12 October 1699 to George Strode, chief creditor and next of kin.'
"We do not know if and how George Strode was related to the orphans. George Strode was born about 1660 and was taxed on 300 acres in Concord Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania in 1689.
"The four male orphans, according to the family history of Edward Strode, would have been 7 to 12 years of age in 1697. Martha and Jeremiah's ages were unknown but probably younger. Barnard, probably a nephew of Edward, was provided for by Nicholas Depui, living at Amwell, New Jersey. The other orphans may have been in New Jersey too. But Elston feels they were bound out after they landed until of legal age near the Strodes in Chester County, Pennsylvania, which is just across the Delaware river from New Jersey.
"...In The Gosney Family by Georgia G. Winda, 'The Bryans and a family named Strode who were Hollanders but who were living in France, were Protestants and had to flee from their home on account of religious persecution; came to America on the same boat. The Strode parents died on the voyage, leaving three children: Martha, Jeremiah and Samuel. They were in Chester County when Morgan Bryan married Martha Strode in 1719.' Note this quote fails to list all the orphan Strodes that fled Europe.
"Elston feels strongly that (c.1690-c.1795) was on the tax lists of Chester County, Pennsylvania from 1718 to 1735. The limiting dates fit together better than could be hoped for. Edward probably was born about 1690, came to the tax lists in 1718-1721 in New Garde, in Marlborough in 1722-35, and lists 150 acres in Chester County, Pennsylvania 29 January 1733.
"Some of the Strodes, Bryans and others apparently left Chester County, Pennsylvania in 1734/35 when they secured a 100,000 acre grant in Frederick County, Virginia, later to become Berkeley County, Virginia and still later Berkeley County, West Virginia.
"The author believes the family history (given here) of Edward Strode is the most probable. Traditions given in numerous accounts say 'were descended from Edward Strode, Esq. of England.' Also, the names in the Virginia family are remarkably similar to those traced in England. Their names are not common (other than William) in the English Strodes of Devon, famous for the 'one of the five members' of the Long Parliament. The third reason is that the Virginia family tradition in the coat of arms was 'sun, moon and star.' A main characteristic was the 'crescent' (moon) and 'etoille' (star). The Devonshire Strode's arms characteristically were three conies (rabbits)."
Edward STRODE was born about 1690, probably in France or Holland, the son of Edward Strode and ?.
He married Eleanor (or Elinor) Shepard.
Their children, apparently all born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, were:
"No one is absolutely sure where Edward Strode lived after leaving Chester County, Pennsylvania. This is understandable since records are sketchy or non-existent in Virginia because of changing boundaries. For example, Berkeley County, West Virginia, was once Berkeley County, Virginia. The county was formed out of a part of Frederick County, Virginia in 1772; Frederick County from Orange County, in 1738; and Orange from Spotsylvania County in 1734.
"Edward eventually settled on Opequon Creek at the juncture with the Potomac River and built a stone fort which became known as the Strode Fort Farm. An article in the Kentucky Citizen said, 'In 1758, Edward Strode supplied provisions for the army in the French and Indian War. There are traditional stories of heroism on the part of the Strode women when the fort was attacked in the absence of men.'
"In the Berkeley County Deed Book 2, page 86, 10 June 1773, Edward Strode of Berkeley County sold to his son, Jeremiah Strode, for 100 pounds, part of a greater tract of land granted to Morgan Bryan by our Sovereign Lord the King, 3 October 1734, which was conveyed to Joseph Bryan 16 August 1744 and he to Edward Strode 14 May 1752. The land was located on Opequon Creek containing 360 acres. The land was part 'of a tract granted to Morgan Bryan for 1,250 acres.'
"Morgan Bryan's wife was Martha Strode, presumably Edward's sister. It is entirely plausible that the Edward Strode's made their way to Virginia with Morgan Bryan in the mid 1730's. Pennsylvania Archives III, Chester County Warranties of Land list Edward as selling 150 acres 29 January 1733. He presumably would do this to move to Virginia.
"There are land grants that show Edward transferring land to sons John and James in Frederick County (later Berkeley County), Virginia. A sale to John was for 400 acres, dated 4 April 1751.
"On 19 November 1761, Edward and Elinor, his wife, sold land on Opekon. On 7 June 1773, Edward Strode sold 360 acres to his son Jeremiah for L100. Elinor was still living in 1777 when she witnessed a deed. Bergen (Bergen Papers: Historic Record 12) quotes a letter dated 26 July 1786 that says, 'the Old Gentleman and Widow of Jeremiah Strode'. The old gentleman must have been Edward who would have been in his 90's at that time.
"Edward's age at death has been perpetuated at 108 years. There is no proof or mention of a year by anyone. It seems unlikely that he lived to 1795, which would make him 105, if born in 1690. Capt. James Strode was living in Berkeley County and he died in 1795. He was a wealthy man and left a detailed will mentioning his third wife and children and grandchildren by his first two wives. No mention was made of a father. He surely would have made provisions for an aged father, if the father was alive. It seems likely to the author that Edward died after July 1786 ad prior to 1795. If this is correct, Edward's age at death could have been 96 to 105 -- a very long life indeed. If he did live to be 108 (1690-1798) as perpetuated by tradition, he outlived four of his six children.
"There is very little hard evidence of what happened to Edward Strode's brothers, George, Samuel and William Strode. Elston theorizes that Samuel Strode lived in Chester County, Pennsylvania in the 1720's but moved to western Pennsylvania later. William, he suggests, lived in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. George seems to have disappeared.
"The Bryan-Boone traditions says that Morgan and Martha Strode Bryan had 5 children when they moved to Frederick County, Virginia, probably 1734. They had a total of nine children. The oldest was Joseph, who sold Edward Strode 360 acres of land in 1752.
"Elston quotes an article from the Virginia Historical Magazine that 'Alexander Ross and Morgan Bryan founded upon this grant a colony of Friends, which flourished for many years in Frederick County.' The Hopewell congregation was formed in 1734 with the church located 5 miles north of Winchester on the Opequon River and was probably the first organization of any denomination in the valley of Virginia. Morgan Bryan obtained several grants of land in the vicinity of Winchester, which bear the date of 12 November 1735."
Letitia (or Letia) STRODE was born on 19 August 1725 in Chester County, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Edward Strode and Eleanor Shepard.
"Letia (Letitia) Strode's ancestry has created lively arguments. The issue: who was her father? Some descendants have insisted Letia was the daughter of James Strode, perhaps with the aim of being eligible for membership in the D.A.R. The preponderance of evidence is that her parents were Edward and Elinor. If so, Letia was Capt. James Strode's sister. Elston has persuasive arguments that this is the case. In addition, photocopies of loose papers found inside the 'Arnold Bible' lists Letia as Edward and Elinor Strode's child born 19 August 1725. Records collected by Viola Barr Hughes shows Letia (Letitia) born 30 August 1725. The difference in dates is 'old' style and 'new' style.
"There is agreement that Letia (Letitia) married Jacob Van Meter on 30 August 1741 (in Fredericks County, Virginia) at a young 16 years of age.
The Van Meters, a leading Virginia family, opposed the marriage because of Letia's Baptist religious beliefs and on moral grounds. The Van Meters felt the first born child did not belong to their son, Jacob.
"Jacob and Letia lived in Berkeley County, Virginia until about 1769, then until about 1779-80 near Carmichael, Pennsylvania. They then moved to Elizabethtown, Hardin County, Kentucky. The family, except the oldest daughter, Eleanor, had certificates from the Baptist Church 18 September 1779 to leave for Kentucky."
She died on 25 December 1799 in Hardin County, Kentucky.