A snapshot of the earlier history of the Clotworthy Family
The spelling Clotworthy, de Clotworthy, Clotworthie, Cloteworthy and Clatworthy can be found as far back as 1065 in the Domesday Book which was a survey of all landed property enacted on the orders of William the Conqueror as a basis for taxation.
The surname Clotworthy is derived from the place where a man once lived or held land. In this instance it is a man worthy of land - clot being a name for land. The original motto was "Bon Temps Viandra".
Robertus Furlong added de Clotworthy to his name during the reign of Edward II. The Furlong name was dropped and Clotworthy became the surname. We can trace the family in Devon back to 1484, in particular South Molton and the Crediton area.
"Rasleigh Barton" was the home of Clotworthys from the 1500's to the 1700's. Here is a farm that has seen a thousand years pass by in which time it has known but three families of owners. The house, has been renovated but still bears the Clotworthy coat of arms . Thomas Clotworthy married Abbot Rasheigh, heiress of Rasleigh Barton and their son Thomas rebuilt the house with their descendants remaining there until 1708.
Two of Thomas' sons, Hugh born in 1569 and Lewis 1571 joined the Earl of Essex in his campaign to Ulster (Ireland), in particular Antrim in 1603. Not much is mentioned about Lewis, but Hugh distinguished himself and was knighted for services to James I and became Sir Hugh Clotworthy. He married Mary of Muckamore. Their son Sir John Clotworthy was the first Lord Massereene & Ferrard, an Irish peerage which still exists and carries the family name of Clotworthy. Much is written about the Clotworthy's in Northern Irelands turbulent history. It would appear the family was well respected and held lands.
The current Sir John Clotworthy Skeffington, 14th Viscount Massereene & Ferrard, Baron Oriel, lives in London and has been most hospitable to visiting Kiwi Clotworthy relatives. He has gifted the grounds of the former Antrim Castle and that of Clotworthy House to the Antrim Council for all to enjoy. Clotworthy house is currently an Arts Centre but soon will be the residence of the Trust that will administer the beautiful gardens which are of historic significance within the grounds of Antrim Castle.
Unfortunately we lose track of our direct connections with Sir Hugh's descendants since only details of the eldest child is recorded. In addition parish records were sent to Dublin for "safe keeping" but a terrible fire destroyed many records prior to 1750 making it difficult for anyone to trace family in this period. If anyone does has information please contact us.
We pick up our direct line again with Nathaniel parents - George Clotworthy born 1795 and Sarah Craig born 1802, through a census. By this time the Clotworthy's had been "Irish" for near on 200 years.
George was a landowner in Ardmore on the shores of Lough Neagh. The family house is still in tact, although modernised. We thank the current owners, the FitzGeralds, for welcoming family members over the years.
Amelia Moore Wilson came from a well born family with an interesting history which includes several Clotworthy ancestors.
We can only wonder why in her will, Sarah, says " give Nathaniel fifty pounds". He did not inherit any land and perhaps this is the reason for Nathaniel and Amelia to begin a new life in New Zealand. Whatever the reason, it was a very different and difficult life for these genteel immigrants from whom we are descended.
- Please note:
- For further information on the Clotworthy Family refer to the book specially prepared for the Family Reunion entitled
"The History & Times of the Clotworthy Family".
see Contact page .
