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Mayo / Re: Herward or Hereward of the Hollymount/Roundfort area
« on: Tuesday 20 December 11 17:01 GMT (UK) »
as far as the religion change, here's what I've seen. The Herward line can be traced to Ireland to about the middle 1700's with a few records. Most are from the 1800's. I found two marriages of Herwards in England, around 1666 and 1660. Thare are many records of Herwards in England in the 1400's and 1500's. So, more than likely, the name origin was originally English and was brought to Ireland. As far as the different names, no suprize. In my life, I have gotten mail as Herward, Howard, Herwood, Haywood, Hayward and so on. If we can't get it right now, it's no suprise people had changes back then, especially since the literacy rate was so low. All version stem from "hay ward" or the keeper of the field. Much like shepherd means the ward or watcher of the sheep.
Anyway, I'll keep looking and I'll see if the line connect. I'm sure they will; you are correct in how rare the name is.
Anyway, I'll keep looking and I'll see if the line connect. I'm sure they will; you are correct in how rare the name is.