Anglo-Welsh Ancestry of
Herbert Familyof New JerseyAnglo-Welsh Ancestry of
Herbert Familyof New Jersey
The Herberts from ancient times have been more of a clan than a family. They can be traced back to the ancient Castle of Ragland in Monmouthshire, cradle of an illustrious family. In the mists of the Anglo-Welsh borderlands, the fortunes of the early Herberts were laid on the rock of Wales. For over four centuries, the Herberts were distinguished for chivalry, statesmanship and learning.[1]
The late Lord Powis, "the scholarly earl," was representative of four lines of Herberts which traced the family pedigree back to William Herbert.[2] Sir William ap Thomas Herbert, or in Welsh Margoah Gles or Gumrhi, or "the Blue Knight," distinguished himself in the Hundred Years War with France. For bravery, he was knighted 1426 by Henry V. Sir William married Gladys, d/o Sir Dafydd Gamen. Sir William was seated at Ragland Castle, which was built by him and his son, Sir Wm. Herbert, Earl of Pembroke. Sir William died 1446 and is buried in Abergavenny Chapel on the River Usk in south Wales. [3] http://www.castlewales.com/wmaptho.html
Sir William Herbert, the Black Knight or Gwilim Ddu,, was devoted to the House of York. Gwilim Ddu, first Earl of Pembroke, had several other sons, one of whom was Sir Richard Herbert of Ewyas who is buried in churchyard at Abergavenny. William II was made Baron Herbert of Chepstow, Ragland, & Gower by Edward IV in 1461; later Knight of the Garter. He was commanded by the King to use the surname Herbert, which means "glory of the army" or bright knight. In 1466, Sir William Herbert was created Earl of Pembroke. His success was short lived because he was taken prisoner at the Battle of Banbury and beheaded by Warwick & Clarence with his brother Sir Richard Herbert. He is buried in Tintern Abbey, made famous English poet, William Wordsworth. The Earl was succeeded by his eldest son, William Herbert who relinquished the title to the king and was awarded the Earl of Huntingdon instead.[4]
Representatives of the Herbert family came to VA in the mid-1600s as one of the Earls of Pembroke was involved financially with land in the New World. English law dictated that land & titles went to the first-born sons. Other sons joined the army or became priests & merchants; while some journeyed to the American colonies to seek their fortunes.[5]
Our NJ branch came to Gravesend, Long Island & then over to New Jersey as as early as 1654; although other branches arrived in MA & VA at other periods during the 17th Century. They must have possessed enormous courage to brave the perilous crossing in the small ships of the period; however, the Herbert family has been identified with New Jersey since its founding.
Notes: Those readers desiring more Herbert genealogical information should consult "Bibliography," and contact Randi Herbert Robinson or Dick Harbert listed under "Related Family Researchers" page; read Beth Uiterwyk's Ancient Herberts article.
Footnotes:
1. Mather, Edith Herbert, "English Ancestry of the Herbert Family," in "New York Gen-Biographical Record Quarterly," 1895, vol. 26:30-38.
2. Jones, Morris Chas., "The Feudal Barons of Powys," Heritage Book Co. reprint, 1994, p. iv.
3. Bradney, Sir Joseph Alfred, "A History of Monmouthshire," Vol 1, Part 2a, Academy Books, 1914, pp. 2-3, 12-13, 165, 189, 196-199, 336-339.
4. Walter, Alice Granberry, "Derivation of Herbert Family, 1613-1700," 13 Charts, 89 pp., privately printed, 1979.
5. Robinson, Randi Herbert, "Letter," Dec 13, 1991 to Pat Doster.
Bibliography:
Ellis, Franklin. History of Monmouth Co NJ, 1974 Reprint.
Evans, Howell. "Wales & the War of Roses," Cambridge U. Press, 1978. "New Jersey State Archives," Vols.. 2, 22, 23, 32, 38 & "Will Abstracts."
Salter, Edwin. "History of Monmouth & Ocean Cos," Bayonne:Gardner Co, 1890.
Stillwell, John. "Hist. & Genealogical Miscellany, Balto: GPC, 1970.