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Archiver > GIFFORD > 1998-12 > 0913821298


From: Merry Guido <>
Subject: [GIFFORD-L] Re: GIFFORDS OF Devon
Date: Wed, 16 Dec 1998 07:14:58 -0800


Hello, All;

Perhaps not directly in answer to Robin Thackaberry of Perth, WA, I can
offer the following excerpt from approximately 500 years of medieval
GIFFORDs. (Alas, none in Devon.)

Osberne de Bolebec, Lord of Longueville, was born in Normandy before
1028. He married Avelina. Osberne went to England with William in 1066.
William rewarded with land those who had helped him secure the throne of
England. Osberne was given land at Brimpsfield, Gloucestershire.

Osberne Gyffarde (son of Osberne and Avelina) was born at Brimpsfield,
and died about 1086. (Sorry, I don't know why he took the name, but it
was fairly common to do so in those days.)

Elias Giffard III, (second great grandson of Osberne) married Maude Fitz
Robert Fitz Harding, bringing Berkeley Castle into the family.

Sir John Giffard (sixth great grandson of Osberne) was born at Twyford,
Berkshire, and was a Knight of the Shire. Thus begins a long line of
Knights of Berkshire, most of whom were named John.

I lose the Gifford line with Amy, (14th great granddaughter of Osberne)
who was born around 1485 or 1490, also at Twyford.

The Giffords were related by marriage to (among others) such powerful
medieval English families as de BOCLAND, de CLIFFORD, le STRANGE, and
VAUX.

If anyone is interested in the missing generations, I can provide that
information.

Sorry Robin, not a single Gifford in Devon do I have. :^( But maybe
this branch will be interesting to someone.

Merry Guido
Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

ICQ 23061054
Researching LAKIN

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