References: Stephens/Stevens Genealogy

Introduction

(Jody Gray): this 1904, privately printed, Stephens/Stevens Genealogy appears to be the one used by most, if not all, preceding genealogical charts for the “Descendants of Airard Fitz Stephen, b. 1036”. The 1968, privately printed, Stephens/Stevens Genealogy, is interspersed with the 1904 edition, as such, I often had trouble determining who was “speaking”. So, I have decided to use the 1904 Genealogy as my primarily reference; and, to use the 1968 Genealogy as a reference for later “variations” in records (challenges made by later ancestors creating a Family “blood-lineage” using Airard Fitz Stephen, b. 1036 as the progenitor of the Stephens/Stevens Family in England and the United States.

  I begin, by transcribing the 1904 Book, here, as my primarily reference; which I refer to as [1a] 1904 genealogy by C. Ellis Stevens.

  As mentioned, previously, challenges to this 1904 genealogy were made by later ancestors (I refer to them as “variation” in records); the 1968 genealogy appears to be the most commonly used reference in later genealogies. Because I find it confusing, I use it as subsidiary reference [1b] 1968 genealogy by Clarence Perry Stevens. As such, I will include relevant parts of it, following the 1904 genealogy.
"Tools" I use to help locate important information within this Blog Post: "Red Font" Titles, ancestors in my "blood-lineage" and "noteworthy" information. References. Dates, Locations, Historic Events. "Rulers".

[1a] http://www.stevensancestry.com/library/stevensgenealogy1904stev.pdf *this is the one I use

Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012 with funding from Boston Public Library… http://archive.org/details/stevensgenealogy1904stev *this is another (download) option for the book

Stevens Genealogy, Some Descendants of the Fitz Stephen Family in England and New England by C. Ellis Stevens… Privately Printed 1904
Note (Jody Gray): While researching the Stephens/Stevens Family, I came across comments made by other family researchers about the author of this book, C. Ellis; I came to the conclusion that he upset some family members. I read that he was provided Stephens/Stevens Family documents, etc. to use to create a complete family but that he only followed his direct line. I read that errors were found in his work. Whatever his critics have to say, this genealogy is the result of many hours of research and is well-referenced. And, it tells a story of a family whose members are part of the history of England and the United States; they participated in historical battles, had connections with Kings and Queens and church authorities (the other governing power), by blood and through marriage alliances. As we learn about our ancestors we learn history; for me, this is more important than completely verifying an unbroken "blood-lineage". I am confident that Airard Fitz Stephens is the progenitor of the Stephenses mentioned.
The following, Introduction, provides variations in the spelling of the Stephens/Stevens surname; examples of some references the (1904) author uses; some "name-dropping"... To reduce the volume and simplify, I am not including all his references in my transcription. I recommend that you follow the link to the digital copy of the book provided and scroll through it because there are many illustrations that I cannot "copy/paste"; e.g. Stephen Family manor houses and Family Arms (Crests) that were used to "seal" documents, adorn the walls of their homes and their memorials (many of these Barons and Lords of Estates are buried inside the churches they supported).
When I interject comments, I use this "blue font" -the only other use of "blue font" is web links. Page numbers (pg) refer to the pages of the "original" book; not the "digital" book pages.

Introduction

  The Norman house of Fitz Stephen originally took its cognomen from the Christian name borne in honor of St. Stephen, the first martyr of the Church…

  In like transition the Fitz Stephen became Fitz Stephens, and then Stephens… The principal spellings, Stephens and Stevens, have been used interchangeably… both in England and America. The later American form of Steevens and Stevens… traceable processes evidenced by old family documents… Stephenes, Stepheyns, Stephyns, Stevyns, Steveens, Steevens, Steevans, Stevins and Schyvyns… The essential point in genealogy, of course, is actual blood descent; and alterations in the structure or spelling of a name… is of incidental consequence. Varied form in the name is one of the well-recognized marks of an ancient family.

  The coat-of-arms of this house (Stephens/Stevens), as recorded by the College of Heralds, and continuously in use in the English and American branches, is settled as being… The crest is “a demi-eagle… In the old usage of seals figures were sometimes imperfectly represented, or the wax impressions became indistinct by wear… In the present case the Herald’s Visitations agree that the oldest examples of the shield already in existence for four centuries ago when the arms were being settled, showed falcons; and they have made the description official… the original arms belong to the class of the longest recorded heraldry in England. The present writer (C. Ellis Stevens, 1904) has seen original drawings of these arms in ancient manuscripts in the British Museum. The arms are shown in glass at the manor houses of the family and in carvings at Chavenage House, Churchdown, Sodbury Manor House, and on the tombs of Edward Stephens in Eastington Church, and Thomas Stephens in Stroud church, and like memorials. And they are officially recorded in the Visitations of Gloucestershire by the College of Heralds, 1623, 1682, 1683 and otherwise, and have been many times engraved in published works, as in the plate of Sir Philip Stephens, Bart., in Bentham’s Baronets; in Burke’s Extinct Baronetcies, etc… the motto, as is allowable, has been varied... (e.g.) “Abide time” -meaning patience or endurance with unflinching purpose. The earliest recorded use of a seal in the family is a deed between Roger, Prior Lathbury Abby and Roger Fitz Alan for the chapel of Harscombe, to which were affixed the seals of Maragaret de Bohun and William Fitz Stephen, brother of Ralph Fitz Stephen. Baron of Wapley, in 1131.

(Jody Gray): “Fitz” means “son of” and “de” means “of” (a certain place, e.g. town)... the armorial use of the falcon “She is reckoned, the sovereign queen of all fowls.” The Egyptians did express the sun by a falcon, “faithfulness, vivacity, celebrity and quickness of sight.” (Upton) “very bold and hardy, for she encountereth with fowls much greater than herself. It doth show, that he which first took upon him the bearing thereof, was one eager and hot in the pursuit of anything much cared for.” ...

  

(pg 9) The Fitz Stephen family came over with William the Conqueror, and were feudal barons in Gloucestershire from the reign of King Henry II, first of the Plantagenets’. In that reign  Ralph Fitz Stephen, Baron of Wapley, and his brother William, afterwards Chief Justice of the Circuit Court of England, were jointly High Sheriffs of the shire, a position then of such influence that there was effort to make it hereditary in the noble families. Later other members of the family held the office. In 1634 Edward Stephens was appointed High Sheriff; and in 1643-44 Thomas Stephens so served under appointment of the Long Parliament. Sir Thomas Stephens, brother of John Stephens of Guilford, CT, ancestor of the American line, was High Sheriff in 1671, Thomas Stephens in 1693, and Nathaniel Stephens in 1698. Many of the family have been members of Parliament [abrev. MP]. Some have received Knighthood, and Sir Philip Stephens, F.R.S., Lord of the Admiralty, was created a Baronet in 1795. Several have acquired note in literature, and one was Historiographer Royal of England. Immediate family connections by marriage count more than one Bishop of the Church, The Earls of Oxford and Mortimer, the Lords Crewe of Stene, and others of the nobility, the celebrated Chief Justice Sir Matthew Hale, and, (by three ties), Oliver Cromwell. Descent by female lines and heiresses has included the Earls of Gloucester, Northumberland, Warwick, Pembroke, Surry, etc., the Barons De Ros, Beauchamp, Le Despencer, and others of the ancient baronage of England, and co-heiresses of four abeyance peerages - with lineage from several of the noble and princely houses of Europe, and from the English royal line of King Edward I; with subsequent repeated intermarriages with the royal family down to and including the house of Tudor.

  At different times the manors of Wapley, Winterbourne, Lewynesmede, Eastington, Alkerton, Fretherne, Lypiatt Park, Little Sodbury, Chavenage, Bisley, Horton, Cherington and Alderley have been seats of the family in Gloucestershire, with estates in other counties. And the American branch has been in possession of landed property in all its generations.

  The family though now existing in the male descent only in America, had, after colonial times, its first native-born citizen of the United States in the direct line, in the person of the grandfather of the present (1904) head of the house. That means that for more than seven hundred years the members of this house were born subjects of the King, and that presents native citizenship of the new nation of the United States is a matter of only some ninety-eight years, or the possible span of a single human life.

  The present writer (C. Ellis Stevens, 1904) as eldest representative has received by inheritance the family records and papers, covering many generations from English times to today. These papers which include deeds, wills, transfers, settlements and legal documents of all descriptions, besides a large collection of correspondence of different periods, give ample information; and as in other old English houses, the family’s genealogy has always been preserved. Some years ago the writer spent considerable time in England verifying the facts of the family history and enlarging the biographies from information there available. He was courteously accorded access to original manuscripts, the official records of the College of Heralds, the collections in the British Museum, and other historical materials. And his study has been still further fortified by reference to practically all sources of authority on the subject that have been published, and by correspondence with English and American members of the family, and otherwise. He begs to acknowledge obligation for much valuable assistance. The present pedigree, the publication of which has been provided for by members of the family, is thus based upon original contemporaneous documents and legal papers of the archive, as verified by historical research.

  The work is confined to the main line of descent except in so far as side lines are closely connected with it. For kind co-operation in procuring illustrations for the book, thanks are due to Harvard University, the Boston Public Library, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, and several friends on both sides of the sea - notably to the Rev. Canon Fox of Stroud, and Lowsley Williams, Esq., the present Squire of Chavenage House, Gloucestershire.

  The annals of the house pass through periods of Anglo-Saxon history of more than private interest (is of historical significance). While these pages are intended essentially for the personal convenience of members of the family, it has been thought of value to refer from time to time to the historical scenes with which the ancestral figures were associated - with a view to giving a life-touch to what might otherwise be but  rehearsal of dry facts.

*note, at the bottom of pg 11:

1 The particulars regarding the Fitz Stephen family from the Norman Conquest down to the time of Henry of Frocester as given in the present work are fuller and more complete than have hitherto appeared. As many of the generations rest on land inheritance or historical fact—the task of thus recording the difficult period has not been difficult, although the writer is unable to vouch for every detail. Names of individuals have in instances been problematical. Prior to the reign of Queen Elizabeth family records in England were usually less well cared for, than thereafter. Most old genealogies take on a fullness after her time, that was unknown in the Middle Ages. The Visitations to the College of Heralds greatly aided this result.

Note (Jody Gray): here begins the Stephens/Stevens Family lineage. Because this genealogy is the one that I use for my Ancestry.com Family Tree; I will use a header that matches my Family Tree for each person in my “blood-lineage”.

Pedigree

Line I

1. Airard Fitz Stephen b. 1036 d. 1085 Lived in: Normandy to Gloucester, England. Commander of the “Mora” escorting William the Conqueror to the Battle of Hastings, 1066.   William the Conqueror, the 1st Norman King of England; reigned from 1066-1087. William claimed his 2nd cousin, Edward the Confessor, had promised him the throne; as such, he challenged and defeated Harold II at the Battle of Hastings on 10/14/1066. In 1085 the Domesday Survey (aka "Domesday Book") began the practice of recording all the King's subjects in order to collect taxes and raise money to fund his army, etc. This created the need of a reliable (unchanging) family Surname (the male head of the family); these surnames usually began as a reference to the location of the family seat. In this case, the Stephens name was already an established name of "nobility"; e.g. Airard Fitz Stephens, is referred to as a nobleman, Fitz meaning "son of". The Domeday Survey and the use of Surnames provided much needed information for future historians and genealogists!  William rewarded his supporters, both financial and military with land. Airard Fitz Stephen and his descendants were closely associated to the King and influential officials of the papal church. William died at Rouen while on a campaign in the French city of Nantes. He is buried at Caen. "Vitals" b. abt 1028, Falaise, Normandy. d. 9/9/1087, Priory of Saint Gervais, Rouen, Normandy. buried, Saint-Etienne de Caen, Normandy. Noteworthy: a descendant of Rollo, William was Duke of Normandy from 1035. His life was marked by struggles to consolidate his hold over England and his continental lands and by difficulties with his eldest son. His marriage to Matilda of Flanders provided him with a powerful ally, and he was able to arrange the appointments of his supporters bishops and abbots in the Norman church.

(back to the 1904 genealogy)   Airard Fitz Stephen, a nobleman of Normandy, was placed by William the Conqueror in command of the “Mora”, the ship presented by his Duchess and eventual Queen Matilda of Flanders, for his personal use in the fleet conveying the Norman forces to England for the battle of Hastings, 1066. Vessels for this fleet had been given by all the leading nobles of the duchy, many of whom, as well known, embarked on the expedition. Detained by lack of favorable winds the vessels for the fateful expedition harbored for a time at St. Vallery on the French coast, where as Miss Strickland says, “William was surprised by the arrival of his Duchess at the port, in a splendid vessel of war, called the Mora, which she had caused to be built unknown to him, and adorned in the most royal style for magnificence for his acceptance. The effigy of their youngest son, William, formed of gilded bronze, some writers say of gold, was placed at the prow of this vessel, with his face turned towards England, holding a trumpet to his lips with one hand, and bearing in the other a bow, with the arrow aimed at England. It seemed as if the wind had only delayed in order to enable Matilda to offer this gratifying and auspicious gift to her departing lord; for scarcely had the acclamation's with which it was greeted by the admiring host died away when the long desired breeze sprang up.” “A joyful clamor”, says William of Malmesbury,” then arising, summoned everyone to the ships.”

(pg 14) Wace… mentions that the Mora was anchored, in the outer harbor, and set sail in the lead of the fleet, which it soon left out of sight. In the Bayeaux Tapestry Queen Matilda has given a representation of this vessel and of Airard Fitz Stephen; but the figure of Prince William is represented at the stern instead of the prow, and the outlines of the craft are conventionalized so as to diminish the actual proportions. Arrived on the English coast the Conqueror slipped in landing, and fell, clutching the sand; but quickly turned the incident to account by declaring that it was a token of his possession of the kingdom. He ordered the hulls of the ships to be pierced so as to prevent easy retreat by his troops. Airard Fitz Stephen remained for the battle of Hastings (later called Senlac).

He had issue a son;

2. Thomas Fitz Stephen, b. 1058, Normandy d. 1120, at sea   Thomas Fitz Stephen, commanded the “White Ship” aka "Blanche Nef" -known as the finest vessel in the Norman navy. On, 11/25/1120, the White Ship on route from Harfleur to England struck a submerged rock off Barfleur and sunk. Only one of the passengers and crew survived; of the nobility who perished were Prince William, the only legitimate son and heir of King Henry I of England, half-sister Matilda, and his half-brother Richard. It was reported that Capt. Thomas Fitz Stephen, came to the surface after the sinking and when he learned that Prince William had perished, he let himself drown rather than face the King. This disaster left Henry I with only one legitimate child, his daughter Matilda. Dante Gabriel Rossetti , wrote the ballad “The White Ship” 1st published in 1881. Following, are some excerpts that refer to Thomas Fitz Stephen, the commander of the White Ship. Stout Fitz Stephen came to the King-- A captain famous in seafaring; And he held to the King, in all men's sight, A mark of gold for his tribute's right. "Liege Lord! My father guided the ship From whose boat your father's foot did slip, "When he caught the English soil in his grip, And cried, 'by this clasp I claim command O'er every rood of English land!' "He was borne to the realm you rule o'er now In that ship with the archer carved at her prow, "And thither I'll bear an' it be my due, Your father's son and his grandson too". Quoth the King; "My ships are chosen each one, But I'll not say nay to Stephen's son. "My son and daughter and fellowship Shall cross the water in the White Ship." Odericus Vitalis refers to Thomas Fitz Stephen. See also Tirry's Anglo-Normans; Strickland, I, 117; Hume I, 262, etc. Strickland says, (I, 116), that Thomas Fitz Stephen "demanded the honor of conveying the heir of England home because his father had commanded the Mora, the ship that brought William the Conqueror to the shores of England. His petition was granted." Thomas Fitz Stephen lived during the reign of Henry I.  (1100-1135) References: for Henry I.; the events and customs of his reign Blog Post (Historical Misc): Norman Kings of England, 1066-1154. http://historicalandmisc.blogspot.com/2016/10/norman-kings-of-england-1066-1154.html   Thomas Fitz Stephen was the commander of the White Ship transporting Prince William, son of Henry I. and only legitimate male heir to the throne, across the English Channel; in the dark of night, the ship struck a rock and sank; all passengers and crew drowned except one. Other References: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Ship White Ship   Capt. Thomas Fitz Stephen, whose father Stephen Fitz Airard (Airard, son of Stephen) had been captain of the ship Mora for William the Conqueror when he invaded England in 1066. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victims_of_the_White_Ship_disaster Victims of the White Ship disaster. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dante_Gabriel_Rossetti Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828-1882). English poet, illustrator, painter and translator. http://popcultureinstitute.blogspot.com/2007/11/white-ship-ballad-by-dante-gabriel.html The White Ship: A Ballad by Dante Gabriel Rossetti

(back to the 1904 genealogy)   Thomas Fitz Stephen, who commanded the “Blanche Nef”, better known as the “White Ship” the finest vessel in the Norman navy”. This vessel is forever associated with the great catastrophe by which when conveying Prince William, the heir to the throne, accompanied by  large number of the nobility, from Harfleur to England it struck a hidden rock and went down with the loss of all but one of those on board. Fitz Stephen caught a floating spar of the wreck, but on learning of the death of Prince William was so overcome that he lost his hold and sank into the sea, 1120.

He has issue; (I. Ralph. II. Stephen -(Jody Gray): I am not including this Stephen because he is unverified and would only add to the confusion -as "variations" of Records.)

I.Ralph Fitz Stephen, son and heir of Thomas Fitz Stephen, captain of the White Ship, flourished in the reign of Henry I, and had issue; (heir to heir, another Ralph)

3. Ralph Fitz Stephen b. 1090 d. unknown   son and heir of Thomas Fitz Stephen, captain of the White Ship (this Ralph, flourished in the reign of Henry I.), had issue; I. Ralph. II. William, who took Holy Orders Reference: 1904 genealogy by C. Ellis Stevens Note (Jody Gray): I think is where the confusion in many genealogies occurred due to the missing “father to son” link -Ralph to Ralph…

(back to the 1904 genealogy) Ralph Fitz Stephen b. 1090 had issue; I. Ralph. II. William

Note (Jody Gray): William Fitz Stephen is not of my "blood-lineage" but he played an important role in the History of England, so I include him.

(pg 16, of 1904 genealogy) William, who took the Holy Orders, was a monk of the Benedictine Order at Canterbury Cathedral, a close friend of St. Thomas a’Becket, a judicial official in association with the great Archbishop, and eventually Chief Justice of the Circuit Court of England. He was present at the Council of Northampton, 10/13/1164, and was sitting near Becket when Hubert of Bosham gave the rash to the Archbishop to excommunicate his enemies if they laid hands on him. William induced the Archbishop to refuse this advice, as the latter afterwards confessed when during his exile he met William at St. Benedict’s on the Loire. He was present in Canterbury Cathedral and an eye witness to the assassination of Becket. And he subsequently wrote the “Life of St. Thomas” -which is the principal historical authority for Becket’s biography. In this work he introduced a description of the city of London as it appeared at the time -being “by far the most graphic and elaborate account of London during the 12th century, and one of the earliest references to any European capital. This account has been published in Stow’s “Survey of London”, and in Hearne’s edition of Leland’s “Itinerary”. The “Life of St. Thomas” was first printed in Sparks’ Historicae Anglican’ Scriptos” 1723. The chief later editions are those of Dr. Giles, 1845, and Rev. J.C. Robertson, 1877. William Fitz Stephens appears to have escaped most of the disadvantages of intimacy with Becket, and has himself preserved a Latin poem of some ninety lines which he composed and presented to King Henry II, in the chapel of Bruhull, in return for which the King granted him a pardon. In 1171-90 he was High Sheriff of Gloucestershire, part of the time in association with his brother Ralph. In 1176 he was appointed a national judge on the establishment of Circuit Courts, and was placed by Henry II at the head of the six judicial circuits, into which the kingdom was then divided. His circuit included Gloucestershire, and his court decisions are recorded in that, and during four following years in fourteen other counties. His name appears as Chief Justice Itinerant as late as the first year of the reign of Richard Coeur de Lion (1189). The earliest known use of the seal in this family is recorded of him, 1131, at the chapel of Harscombe, in attesting a deed between Roger, Prior of Lathbury Abbey, and Roger Fitz Alan -his manuscript of history among the Lansdowne volumes (No. 398) in the British Museum, and a fragment in the Bodlian Library at Oxford.

Note (reference, on pg 17): The historian Hume who relies on William Fitz Stephen mainly for his facts about Becket, gives a curious illustration of the social conditions of the period, Vol. II, pg 15. “His historian and secretary, Fitz Stephens mentions among other particulars, that his apartments were every day in winter covered with clean straw or hay, and in summer with green rushes and boughs, lest the gentlemen who paid court to him could not by reason of their great number find a place at the table should soil their fine clothes by sitting on a dirty floor.” He refers to a feudal provision by which the Lordship of Aylesbury was held, which required on the King’s visits straw for the floor in winter and “grass or herbs” in summer.

*2nd son of Ralph Fitz Stephen b. 1090

William Fitz Stephen b. 1110 d. 1191 *son of Ralph Fitz Stephen b. 1090; brother of Ralph Fitz Stephen b. 1122. William Fitz Stephens Note (Jody Gray): the father of this William Fitz Stephen d. ca. 1191, is unknown, he had no known children -so there is no “blood-lineage”. However, being that Airard Fitz Stephen is the known progenitor of the Fitz Stephens of England, William would have been a descendant; but I have found no birth records thus I don’t know who his parents were. I include him as the son of Ralph Fitz Stephen b. 1090 and brother of Ralph Fitz Stephen b. 1122, in my Ancestry.com, Family Tree (Descendants of Airard Fitz Stephen) because the author of the 1904 Stephens/Stevens Genealogy states: Ralph Fitz Stephen, son and heir of Thomas Fitz Stephen, captain of the White Ship (this Ralph, flourished in the reigns of William Rufus an Henry I.), had issue:, I. Ralph. II. William, who took Holy Orders (he gives no birth date. d. abt 1190). “Variations” of Records: Wikipedia: William Fitz Stephen d. ca. 1191, cleric and administrator in the service of Thomas Becket. In the 1170s he wrote a long biography “Life of St. Thomas”. He also wrote an account of London in the 12th century… for this reason he is not thought to be the same “William Fitz Stephen” whom Henry appointed to be Sheriff of Gloucester and itinerant justice in 1171. Note (Jody Gray): there is no mention of a possible father or any other “relatives” for this William Fitzstephen. and   Wikipedia: Ralph Fitz Stephen d. either 7/25/1202 or c. 1204). Ralph had brothers named William fitzStephen, and Eustace. They were probably the sons of Stephen the chamberlain… References for William Fitz Stephen. Google Search “Results”: William Fitz Stephen, aka, William of Canterbury, William Stephanides. He is said to have been Royal Justice of England (as early as, 1176); there are no records found in this time period. High Sheriff, part of the time with his brother, Ralph Fitz Stephen; I did find both of them listed. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Fitzstephen   William Fitz Stephen d. ca. 1191, cleric and administrator in the service of Thomas Becket. In the 1170s he wrote a long biography “Life of St. Thomas”. He also wrote an account of London in the 12th century… for this reason he is not thought to be the same “William Fitz Stephen” whom Henry appointed to be Sheriff of Gloucester and itinerant justice in 1171. Note (Jody Gray): there is no mention of a possible father or any other “relatives” for this William Fitzstephen. (references at the bottom of this Wikipedia page) https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/1911_Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Britannica/Fitz_Stephen,_William (Encyclopedia) William Fitz Stephen d. c. 1190. Sheriff of Gloucestershire from 1171 to 1190. Royal Justice 1176-1180 and 1189-1190. https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Fitzstephen,_William_(DNB00) (Dictionary of National Biography) William Fitzstephen. D. 1190? The king pardoned him. Along with his brother, Ralph was sheriff of Gloucester from 1171-1190. And probably the same William that Henry II placed in 1176 at the head of one of the six circuits -his name appears as a justice itinerant in 1st year of the Reign of King Richard I. (1189) about which time William died… William’s bio of Becket first printed in 1723. http://www.theodora.com/encyclopedia/f/william_fitz_stephen.html  William Fitz Stephen (d. ca. 1190), biographer of Thomas Becket and royal justice, was a Londoner by origin… He was sheriff of Gloucestershire from 1171 to 1190, and a royal justice in the years 1176-1180 and 1189-1190.  William entered Becket’s service at some date between 1154 and 1162. The chancellor employed Fitz Stephen in legal work, made him sub-deacon of his chapel and treated him as a confidant. *mentions the council of Northampton of 1164 -the disgrace of the archbishop was published to the world; but he did not follow Becket into exile… he joined Becket’s household again in 1170, and was a witness of the murder… Despite his connexion with Becket, William subsequently obtained substantial preferment from the King. He was sheriff of Gloucestershire from 1171 to 1190, and a royal justice in the years 1176-1180 and 1189-1190…   At the end of the article: W.H. Hutton, St Thomas of Canterbury, pp. 272-274 (1880), gives an account of the author (H.W.C.D.)   St. Thomas of Canterbury: An Account of his life and fame from the Contemporary Biographers and other chroniclers (pub 1889) https://books.google.com/books  English Historical Documents, 1042-1189. 119. William fitz Stephen on Thomas Becket as chancellor and archbishop (1155-62)  I, William fitz Stephen, have undertaken to write the life and passion of the said Thomas, the good archbishop and martyr. I was the fellow-citizen of my lord, his chaplain and a member of his household, called by his mouth to share his cares… when he celebrated, I was subdeacon; when he sat to hear causes, I was the reader of letters and comments put forward and, at his command, sometimes the advocate in certain cases. (he also wrote, The Lord knew and predestined the blessed Thomas before ever he issued from the womb, and revealed to his mother what manner of man he would be. For during pregnancy she saw in a dream that she carried in her womb the whole church… the midwife lifted him up in her arms, saying, “I have raised from the ground a future archbishop.” ...Disputes between Henry II and Thomas Becket (1162-1164)... debates at the council of Northampton (Oct. 1164) Thomas went into exile immediately afterwards…(pg 843) In the nine months interval between the close of the council of Clarendon and the opening of that of Northampton the tension between king and primate (the papal church) steadily mounted, and both were guilty of discourtesy and illegalities. http://words.fromoldbooks.org/Chalmers-Biography/f/fitzstephen-william.html   Chalmers Biography, William Fitz Stephen. (pub. 1812) William Fitz Stephen, an English historian of the 12th century, author of the earliest description of London, was of Norman extraction, but born of creditable parents in London... Eye witness to the murder of Thomas Becket… supposed to have died in 1191; but authors vary much as to the particular time when he composed his work, although it seems certain that he wrote it in the reign of Henry II, and that it was part of another work… http://ecommons.luc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1621&context=luc_theses   An Annotated Translation of the Life of St. Becket by William Fitzstephen pub 1943   Other writers about the life of St. Thomas Becket do not include Fitz Stephen’s as his close associate and biographer… possibly due to the fact that after the death of Becket, Fitz Stephen received a pardon from King Henry II. and was given offices of High Sheriff and Royal Justice… which would have been seen as a betrayal by those loyal to Becket… https://en.wikipedia.org/  multiple links for William Fitzstephen https://lostcityoflondon.co.uk  A description of the City of London (William Fitz Stephen, 1173) http://englishhistoryauthors.blogspot.  The Murder of Thomas Becket by E.M. Powell. http://www.ccel.  The Martyrdom of Thomas Beckett. 12/29/1170 http://www.eyewitnesstohistory  The death of Becket unnerved the king. The knights who did the deed to curry the king's favor, fell into disgrace. Several miracles were said to occur at the tomb of the martyr and he was soon canonized. Hordes of pilgrims transformed Canterbury Cathedral into a shrine. Four years later, in an act of penance, the king donned a sack-cloth walking barefoot through the streets of Canterbury while eighty monks flogged him with branches. Henry capped his atonement by spending the night in the martyr's crypt. St. Thomas continued as a popular cultist figure for the remainder of the Middle Ages. xxx

*1st son of Ralph Fitz Stephen b. 1090 (of my "blood-lineage")

4. Ralph Fitz Stephen b. 1122 d. 1202 “Facts and Events” for Ralph Fitz Stephen b. 1122 Note (Jody Gray): web links for Ralph’s Reference are listed directly below this “boxed” information. 1122, birth, Gloucestershire, England. (reminder: there are no birth records for these early ancestors (that I have found -maybe I’ll see some, later, in Ancestry “Hints” for these people)... Death dates are sometimes verified by burial in a church, died in battle or some other historical event, etc… 1153, married ? de Berkeley of Berkeley Castle b. 1126, Glouchester, England d. 1192, Buckinghamshire, England Ancestry Hints: Sedzilla de Berkeley b. 1135 d. 1192 Daughter of William Fitz Robert, Earl of Gloucester and Hawise Beaumont *reign of Henry II. (1154-1189) *the Fitz Stephen men were close to the crown from the time of the Conquest, when Airard commanded the ship “Mora” that delivered William (who became the 1st Norman King of England) to the Battle of Hastings… 1157, Chamberlain of Henry II; he is found as receiving money in the king’s chamber from 1157 to 1184; attesting to charters between 1166 and 1186. 1166, King Henry gave Ralph the manors of Wapley and Winterbourne in Gloucestershire (Codrington was the chief seat of Wapley). 1170, appointed one of the “tutors” to the eldest living son of the king, Henry (II). ca. 1170, treasurer of the great Abbey of Malmesbury. Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England. He had charge as a layman of the feudal relations of the Abbey, and the administration of its estates. 1171, High Sheriff of Gloucestershire, (1171-90 OR 1171-1175) in the 18th year of the reign of King Henry II., conjointly with his brother William Fitz Stephen. The sheriff was high in the King's favor, the head of a body of knights and armed retainers. *other notes: Historically, under William the Conqueror (1st Norman King of England) earls ceased to be appointed (except for military duties); in the following years, became honorary dignities… 1173, responsible for the maintenance of Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, who was incarcerated in house arrest by the king. (she was imprisoned until 1189, when her husband died and her son, the new king, Richard released her). 1176, served as Royal Justice for the southwest and continued in other counties until 1190. He assessed the tallage (tax) from 1176-1190. 1184, Henry II summoned Ralph as a Serjeant-at-law, one of the first identifiable members of that order in the historical record. Ralph was frequent witness on royal charters. 1189, he bestowed the manor upon the Abbey of Stanley in Wiltshire, its income to be devoted to payment for masses for the repose of the soul of the late King [Henry II.] (1154-1189) 1202 (after), Buckland, Gloucestershire, England *died either 7/25/1202 or ca. 1204. References: Ralph Fitz Stephen b. 1122 Note (Jody Gray): I compared these two references, Wikipedia. Ralph fitz Stephen and Revolvy.com. Ralph fitzStephen. -mostly, they match “word for word” Ref: Revolvy.com. Ralph fitzStephen: was a royal chamberlain for King Henry II of England and King Richard I of England… d. 7/25/1202 or ca. 1204 (I have b. 1122 d. 1202), was an English nobleman and royal royal official. He had brothers William and Eustace Fitz Stephen, probably sons of Stephen the Chamberlain mentioned in the piper rolls for 1156-57. Note (Jody Gray): “variations” in records, for me, this is the son of Ralph b. 1190 -either way, as mentioned previously, a descendant of Airard Fitz Stephen in England after the 1066 conquest by William I, Norman King of England…   He was a royal chamberlain for King Henry II. of England and Richard I of England, serving in that office until at least 1191. His work would have involved not just household duties, but the financial aspects of the office, both accepting monies owed to the royal household and paying salaries and other expenses of the king’s chamber. In 1170 he was appointed one of the “tutors” to the eldest living son of the king, Henry (II). Ralph was frequent witness on royal charters, and during the last years of Henry’s reign was also responsible for the maintenance of Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, who was incarcerated in house arrest by the king.   Sheriff of Gloucestershire 1171-1175, succeeded by his brother William. King Henry (II) gave him the Manors of Wapley and Winterbourne in Gloucestershire.   Ralph served as a royal justice for the southwest in 1176 and continued as a justice in other counties until 1190. He assessed the tallage, a tax, from 1176 to 1190 also.   In 1184, Henry II summoned Ralph as a Serjeant-at-law, one of the first identifiable members of that order in the historical record.   King Henry gave Ralph the manors of Wapley and Winterbourne in Gloucestershire. In the feudal inquest of 1166, Ralph listed him as holding half a knight’s fee at the honor of Totnes, one fee from the bishop of Exeter, and two fees at Crich in Derbyshire that were part of Hubert fitzRalph’s honor there. At some point, he held a fee at Blackwell, Derbyshire from Robert fitzRandulf, as he gave that fee as a marriage portion to his niece Idonea when she married William fitzRandulf. Sometime between 1186 and 1190, Ralph granted a third of a knight’s fee at Potterspury in Northamptonshire to Geoffrey fitzPeter, another royal official. Ref: Oxford Biography Index: b. 1202, courtier and administrator Ref: Chapters in the Administrative History of Medieval England… (pg 111) It may be fairly assumed that the English Stephen the chamberlain was the father of two brothers, Ralph Fitzstephen and Eustace Fitzstephen, who were employed in Henry II.’s service for many subsequent years.   Of these two brothers Eustace is the less important. He is very occasionally called chamberlain, and seems to have given some help to his brother in the discharge of his chamber business. Ralph Fitzstephen is found as receiving money in the king’s chamber from 1157 to at least 1184. He also held high judicial posts, and was sheriff of Gloucester. As he did not die until John had been some years on the throne, he must have been quite young when he began his chamber work. Unluckily he is very seldom described as chamberlain in the pipe rolls, though he attested a good many charters as chamberlain between the years 1166 and 1186. Of all the laymen acting in Henry II.’s chamber, he seems to have been the one who played the most prominent part in history. “variations” in records, Ralph Fitz Stephen b. 1122 d. 1190 Ref: geni.com Ralph Fitz Stephen, Jr (Baron) b. 1122, Gloucestershire, England d. 1190, Wapley, Gloucestershire, England M, ? de Berkley b. 1126, Berkeley Castle, Eastington, Gloucestershire, England -daughter of Roger de Berkeley, III -b. Between 1061 and 1121 (NN [no name - unknown name] de Berkeley b. 1126 couldn’t be his daughter if he was b. 1121)   Lists his mother as Vesta. His (geni.com) descendants follow mine. His son Ralph Fitz (Ralph) b. 1154 d. 1190. His son John b. 1186 d. 1274 of Winterbourne. His son Henry b. 1218 d. 1327 Winterbourne

Web links for References: Ralph Fitz Stephen b. 1122

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_fitzStephen Wikipedia. Ralph fitz Stephen.

http://www.revolvy.com/main/index.php?s=Ralph+fitzStephen&item_type=topic&overlay=1  Revolvy.com. Ralph fitzStephen.

https://books.google.com/books?id=Ih0NAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA110&lpg=PA110&dq=Henry+II+Chamberlains&source=bl&ots=_jcFkdWXcD&sig=pNiSSXaJbhA_B_BQIUU8IqtRT7k&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj6ma_zuenPAhVpOJoKHdlzAQoQ6AEIJzAC#v=onepage&q=Henry%20II%20Chamberlains&f=false Chapters in the Administrative History of Medieval England.

https://www.geni.com/people/Ralph-Fitz-Stephen/6000000007622678291?through=6000000007622352797   geni.com. Ralph Fitz Stephen.
(back to the 1904 genealogy) (pg 19) I.Ralph Fitz Stephen, Baron of Wapley by feudal tenure, great grandson of Airard Fitz Stephen, was High Sheriff of Gloucestershire in 1171, the 18th year of the reign of King Henry II, conjointly with his brother William Fitz Stephen. Through him the family seem first to have become residents of this shire, with which they remained connected for so many generations.

  A clue to the cause of settlement in the county may be found in the fact that he became treasurer of the great Abbey of Malmesbury in Gloucestershire, not far from the time that the historian Malmesbury was resident there. He had charge as a layman of the feudal relations of the Abbey, and administration of its estates. Speaking of the Norman changes in government of Saxon times, Gardiner says, “The local chiefs gave way to the King’s representatives. One local officer indeed grew into increased activity. This was the officer who in each shire had always been especially the King’s officer, the shirereeve, or sheriff, who looked after the interests of the King, while the earldorman or earl represented the separate being of the shire. Under William the Conqueror earls ceased to be appointed save where they had distinct military duties. Under his successors earldoms gradually sank into merely honorary dignities. But the sheriff was in the Norman reigns the busiest of all officers.” The office was of such power as to be held only by persons of rank, high in the King’s favor, and differed essentially from that of the same name in modern times. In matters of administration its responsibilities necessitated that the sheriff be at the head of a body of knights and armed retainers. Ralph Fitz Stephen was possessed of landed estates in Gloucestershire. In the latter part of the reign of Henry II, he received the feudal barony of Wapley, of which Codrington was the chief seat, and shortly after 1189, he bestowed the manor upon the Abbey of Stanley in Wiltshire, its income to be devoted to payment for masses for the repose of the soul of the late King [Henry II.]. Note (Jody Gray): his son, d. 1190, so the next entry shouldn’t be here -This Norman baron died 1190, in the first year of the reign of Richard Coeur de Lion, having married ___ de Berkeley of Berkeley Castle, co. Gloucester, near Eastington, by whom he had a son,

5. Fitz Ralph Fitz Stephen b. 1154 d. 1190 m: ? “Facts and Events” 1154, birth, Wapley, Gloucestershire, England 1185, married, Gloucestershire, England, unknown spouse 1190, accompanied Richard de Lion in the 3rd Crusade 1190, death, Winterbourne, Berkshire, England

(back to the 1904 genealogy) (pg 20)   Fitz Ralph Fitz Stephen, who was one of the Crusaders who went from England to the Holy Land probably in the 3rd Crusade, under Richard Coeur de Lion, he d. 1190, leaving a son; (John Fitz Stephen b. 1186)

6. John b. 1186 d. 1274 m: ? de Bradston “Facts and Events” 1186, birth, Winterbourne, Gloucestershire, England 1217, m: ? de Bradston, daughter of Lord Thomas de Bradston 1218, birth of son, Henry Fitz Stephen 1274, death, England

(back to the 1904 genealogy)  (pg 20) John Fitz Stephen married de Bradeston, had issue: Henry b. 1218.

7. Henry Fitz Stephens of Winterbourne b. 1218 m: unknown… “Facts and Events” 1218, born, Winterbourne… 1248, m: unknown spouse b. 1222 1327, death, Winterbourne…

(back to the 1904 genealogy) (pg 20) Henry Fitz Stephen, Baron of Winterbourne, by feudal tenure, concerning whom there is evidence, that in the civil war of Edward II, he was close to the scene and events, without being party to the (1327) assassination of the King [Edward II] in Berkeley Castle. In the reign of King Edward III, he held the lordship of Winterbourne conjointly with Thomas, first Lord Bradeston, Governor of Berkeley Castle. Note (Jody Gray): many stories circulated about the “murder” of King Edward III; there are no known “eye-witness” accounts -I didn’t include any of the above information from the 1904 genealogy because this Henry d. 1327 the Year Edward III began his reign. He had issue a son; Henry b. 1250

8. Henry Fitz Stephens b. 1250 d. 1327 m: unknown “Facts” and Events” 1250, birth, Winterbourne, Gloucestershire, England 1281, married, unknown spouse 1282, birth of son, John Fitz Stephen 1327, death, Winterbourne, England

(back to the 1904 genealogy) (pg 21) Henry Fitz Stephen, whose name is not certainly known though his personality is. He is referred to in legal documents; his son having inherited from the latter's grandfather, on the recorded ground that he, the father, had died before the date of inheritance, i. e. vita patris. He left a son and heir; John b. 1282.

9. John Fitz Stephens b. 1282 d. 1374 m: unknown… “Facts” and Events” 1282,  birth, Winterbourne, Gloucestershire, England 1312, married, unknown spouse 1314, birth of son, John Fitz Stephen 1374, death, Winterbourne, England

(back to the 1904 genealogy) (pg 21) John Fitz Stephen, Baron of Winterbourne, who succeeded his grandfather in the lordship, holding it conjointly with Thomas de Bradeston, second Lord Bradeston, grandson of Thomas, first Lord Bradeston, before mentioned. Dying 1374. He left issue; John b. 1314. Note (Jody Gray): after HOURS of research into the Bradeston Family, I could not find a Thomas Bradeston b. 1150, father of ? Bradeston m: John Fitz Stephen b. 1186. And, even if I could, he wouldn’t be the grandfather of this John Fitz Stephen b. 1282 -he would have been the grandfather of Henry Fitz Stephen b. 1218.

10. John Stephens of St Brivals b. 1314 m: ? Spelly… “Facts” and Events” 1314,  birth, St Brivals, Gloucestershire, England. With this generation the Norman prefix “Fitz” which means “son of” was dropped. Apparently “Stephens” was formed from Stephenson “by dropping the “on”. 1346, married, ? Spelly, of Lewynesmede, co Gloucester, England 1346, birth of son, Richard Stephens 1386, death, Lydney, Gloucestershire, England St Briavels, Gloucestershire, The village, once known as ‘Ledenia Parva’ (Little Lydney)...

(back to the 1904 genealogy) (pg 21) John Stephen, Esq., of St. Brivals, co. Gloucester, with whom the family first omitted the Norman “Fitz” from its name. The joint holding of the Manor of Winterbourne with the De Bradestons ended with him in consequence of the extinction  of the male line of the De Bradston family which followed the death of the 2nd baron of that house. He is recorded (most likely, Probate) to have held lands at St. Brival’s Castle, and a bailiwick [administrative areas, held and cared for by a forester of fee, often a lord of an associated manor. In return for looking after their bailiwick they enjoyed some privileges] in the royal Forest of Deane, in the 9th yr of the reign of King Richard II (1377-1399). Having married a daughter of ? Spelly, of Lewynesmede, co. Gloucester, he had issue: Richard Stephens b. 1346…

11. Richard Stephens of Lewynesmede b. 1346 m: Audrey de Castell… “Facts” and Events” 1346,  birth, Lewynesmede, Gloucestershire, England 1377, married, Audrey de Castell 1378, birth of son, John Stephens, Baron of Lewynesmede 1390, death, Lewynesmede, Gloucestershire, England

(back to the 1904 genealogy) (pg 21) Richard Stephens, Baron of Lewynesmede, by feudal tenure, who married a daughter of John Castel, of Bristol, and died 1390 having had issue ; I. John. II. A daughter, who married John Bassett, Esq. He died 1410. A daughter, who married Sir Philip Sherrer. -The holding of Lewynesmede on his part was probably by arrangement through his mother. The lordship finally passed into possession of the Stephens family with his son John…

12. John Stephens of Lewynesmede b. 1378 m: Margaret Dedroke… “Facts” and Events” 1374,  birth, Lewynesmede, Gloucestershire, England Jody Gray: I “assigned” him a birth date based on records of offices he held, from the website, History of Parliament, in the “header” he married Margaret (d. 1417). He’s recorded as serving on the Bristol Parliament in 1391. His birth date has to be wrong, he would be too young if he was b. 1378 (he’d be 13 yrs old). Even as a “child-prodigy”, I think he would have been at least 17 yrs old; so I give him a birth date of 1374. (refer to end of this Blog Post, “Variations” in Records). 1389, John installed as a Bailiff, as such participating ex officio in the foundation of Edmund Blanket's chantry [endowment for a priest to celebrate masses for the founder's soul. 1390-1391, Walter Derby helped John start his mercantile career with shared interest in a fully equipped sea-going vessel, Trinite. He exported 116 lengths of fabric to Spain, Portugal, La Rochelle and Ireland. 1391, represented Bristol in Parliament 1393, acquired tenements in Touker Street and Smith Street. His early benefactor, Walter Derby left him a tenement in Corn Street. 1394 -1395, John was Sheriff in Bristol 1394, Member of Parliament and served as Sheriff 1395, Collector of customs and subsidies. He accounted for the royal pride of falcons. So essential was falconry to the construction of rank and power in medieval Europe that hawks and falcons and their trainers accompanied armies on campaigns as a matter of course. 1398, Collector of customs and subsidies. Occasionally he worked in partnership with William Stevens (probably a relative). The ships returned with wine. 1400, married, Margaret Dedroke aka Didbrok, daughter of Robert, Glouc. 1400, birth of son, John “the younger” Stephens 1401, executor, will of John Castel (his grandfather) through which he and his son John received inheritances. Collector of customs and subsidies. 1401, Henry IV passed a law which prohibited translating or owning the [Wycliffe] Bible; authorizing death by burning for heretics. 1401, Customs: he took charge of subsidies of tonnage, poundage and wool customs collected; along with Thomas Saunders, he was largely responsible for victualing Henry IV's army in Wales. 1402, Mayor of Bristol "the highest municipal dignity" Also, served as royal escheator [tax collector]. Commissioner of inquiry: Removal of valuables from the castle. 1403, under his command five armed vessels laden with food for the besieged garrisons, with orders to repel French attacks; in August they were authorized to purvey wine and corn to the soldiers at Caernarvon. Commissioner of inquiry: (for defense against Breton pirates); victual the royal army and garrisons of S. Wales. Ordered to advise Thomas Saunders on distribution of 20 marks among crews of ships going to relieve Cardiff castle, thus keeping the castles in west Wales supplied with provisions throughout the year. After obtaining a licence to ship to Ireland a cargo of old wine, cloth and salt; partnering with William Stevens, they were permitted to bring back Irish Salmon and hides. 1405, Commissioner of inquiry: muster the lt. of Ireland’s forces, Bristol. Collector of customs and subsidies. 1406, Stevens and Saunders were ordered to hold a muster at Bristol of the King's 2nd son, Thomas, lieutenant of Ireland, on their way to the province (Wales). 1408, Commissioner of inquiry: Maladministration of St. John's hospital. Collector of customs and subsidies. 1409, inherited  Lewynesmede, under the will of his father-in-law (Robert Dedroke) *UK Probate Records: 2/2/1409. 1410, appointed overseer of John Basset’s Will (his brother-in-law) 1413, John Oldcastle was brought to trial because of Lollard beliefs; he was executed. 1414, Commissioner of inquiry: (lollards); to conscript [enlist compulsorily, typically into the armed services] men and mariners. 1414-1425, Annually elected as constable of the Staple and who was present at the elections held in the guildhall to the Parliaments: 1407, 1411, 1413, 1414, 1416, 1417, 1419, 1420, 1421; uncertain about 1422, 1423. 1415, Protestant reformer, Jan Huss was executed; which sparked a revolt and lead to the Hussite Wars (1468-1478). 1420, He and John Newman were reimbursed for travelling from Bristol to London to inform the Council about certain matter of concern to the King. 1425, He is recorded serving as councillor: 1409, 1410, 1422, 1425; implies he lived until at least 1425, unless the later years refer to his son, John. Aft 1425, death, Gloucestershire, England. His death date is unknown; but in Jan. 1430, John Clyve bequeathed to his wife and nephew the premises he had acquired from Stevens; describing him as "late burgess of Bristol".

(back to the 1904 genealogy) (pg 22) John Stephens, Baron of Lewynesmede, by feudal tenure, was Member of Parliament for Bristol, in the reign of King Richard II, and Mayor of Bristol 1403, in the reign of King Henry IV, shortly after the rise of the House of Lancaster. In 1387, he became executor of the estate of Walter Stoderley, Esq., of Bristol, and guardian of the latter's son ; and at the same time executor, together with Sir Philip Sherrer, of the will of Thomas Clark, of Bristol. He succeeded to the lordship of Lewynesmede by the will of its holder, the Rev. Elias Spelly, who as a priest of the Church was without heirs by descent. This will, which included other lands, provided legacies for Thomas Colston, and Nicholas le Clerk, understood to have been kinsmen of the Spelly family. He was executor of the will of John Castel, of Bristol, in 1401, through which he and his son John, called "the younger" received inheritances. The Bristol records of 1407 show that he then held property in that municipality in addition to his baronial estates." Two years later his wife Margaret, daughter of Robert Didbrok, of Bristol, inherited under the will of her father. In the next year he was executor of the will of John Bassett. His wife is referred to as living as late as 1417. He had issue ; I. John, of whom presently. II. A daughter, who married Clyve, of Bristol, and had issue ; 1. John, who inherited certain landed property in Bristol, from his grandfather, after whom he was named, and died 1430.

Note: Williams’ Parliamentary History co. Gloucester… Bristol Wills… There appears at this period as witness to the Bristol wills the Rev. Elias Stevens, whose exact relationship to the family is not distinct. He was a bachelor of laws, probably of the University of Cambridge, and had became a priest of the Church. In accordance with the custom of that day he is called “Sir Elias Stevens.” He held the dignified position of Canon of the Cathedral of Wells. His presence in Bristol in connection with wills was on 6/28/1441 and in 9/1441. On the first occasion his names is spelled Stevens, and on the second Stephens. A contemporaneous spelling is Stevyns… Nothing of her family name is found. But as “Alice Stephens” she appears in legal documents… Bengham’s Baronets. He was probably named for Henry VII or VIII: Sir Robert Atkyns in his History of co. Gloucester begins his reference to the family back of Henry of Frocester by saying that it was of “very ancient establishment in that county.”

Note, references for John Fitz Stephen: Transactions of Bristol and Gloucester Archaeological Society... (Berkeley) This castle, long the home of the Earl of Berkeley, is still standing (1904), and has been continually a residence of the family since the Norman period… Rolls of Crusaders… (John) It is probable that he was named in honor of King John in whose reign he was born. Naming a son for the King was not unusual in this family…

Image: St. Michael’s Church in Eastington, Gloucestershire.

13. John “the younger” Stephens, Baron of Lewynesmede b. 1400 d. 1442. m: Alice? “Facts” and Events” 1400,  birth, Lewynesmede, Gloucestershire, England 1419, married, Alice ? at Lewynesmede 1420, birth of son, Thomas 1430, 5/30. Capture of Joan of Arc in France. The Siege of Compiegne was Joan of Arc's final military action. 1440, June. wrote his will. “This John Stevens, ‘woolmonger’, was probably the son.” Source, refer to his father’s Gallery/Media, John Stephens married Margaret Dedroke, bio. 1442, death, Lewynesmede, Gloucestershire, England

(back to the 1904 genealogy) (pg 23) John Stephens, Baron of Lewynesmede, flourished in the reign of King Henry V (1413-1422), as recorded in contemporaneous documents. He made benefactions to the Church. Marrying, as appears, Alice ? he had a son; Thomas b. 1420 d. ? m? ?

14. Thomas Stephens, Esquire b. 1420 d. ?. m: ? “Facts” and Events” 1420,  birth, Lewynesmede, Gloucestershire, England 1450, married, unknown 1459, birth of son, John Stephens ?, death, Lewynesmede, Gloucestershire, England

(back to the 1904 genealogy) (pg 23) 14. Thomas Stephens, Esquire b. 1420 d. ?. m: ?

Thomas Stephens, Esq., whose early life was associated with the French wars of King Henry V. He was a Member of the Parliament of 1422 at the accession of King Henry VI, when the Duke of Gloucester was appointed Protector of England, and of the Parliament of 1430 at the time of the capture of Joan of Arc; and also, as appears of the Parliaments of 1400, 1423, 1427, 1432, and 1442,2 and had issue; John Stephens b. 1459…

Note (Jody Gray):I have not used the above information for Thomas b. 1420, because it appears to apply to a different Thomas Stephens: he would have been 2 year old in 1422… 10 years old when Joan of Arc was captured…

15. John Stephens of Bristol b. 1459 m: Joan Buckland. “Facts” and Events” 1459,  birth, Bristol, Gloucestershire, England ?, married, Joan Buckland 1487, took part in the turmoil ending the Wars of the Roses. 1497, birth of son, Henry Stephens ?, death, England

(back to the 1904 genealogy) ((pg 23) John Stephens, Esq., who took part in the turmoil ending the Wars of the Roses (1487), was Member of Parliament for Bristol in the reign of King Henry VII (1485-1509), and had issue; Henry b. 1497...

16. Henry Stephens of Frocester b. 1497 m: Alexandra Lugg… “Facts” and Events” 1497,  birth, 1523, married, Alexandra Lugg aka de la Lega 1523, birth of son, Edward Stephens 1552, 1/9, Will, Gloucestershire, England 1552, Mar, death, Frocester, Gloucestershire, England 1552, 3/16, Will proved, Frocester, Gloucestershire, England

(back to the 1904 genealogy) (pg 23) Henry Stephens, Esq., of Frocester, co. Gloucester, who flourished in the reigns of Henry VIII (1509-1547 -12/17/1540 -Excommunicated; 1542 -monasteries dissolved) and Edward VI (1547-1553 -Reformation, The Church of England changed from Catholic to Protestant), the period of the Reformation of the Church of England. He married a daughter and co-heiress of Edward Lugg, Esq., of Lugwardine, co. Hereford, of the elder branch of the family of Legge or De La Lega, now represented by the Earls of Dartmouth. Dying in 1552, he was buried in the Church of St. Peter at Frocester. His will which was dated January 9, 1552, was proved March 16th of that year. He had issue ; I. Edward, his heir, of whom presently. II. Walter, of Frocester, who died 1565, and whose will dated January 7, 1558, was proved January 30, 1565 by his brother Edward. III. Richard, of the Middle Temple, London, Barrister at Law, who married October 3, 1561, Dorothy Miles, who was buried at Eastington, March 3, 1571. He was buried at Eastington, August 8, 1577. His will dated December 29, 1572, was proved November 21, 1577. IV. William, of the Inner Temple, London, who had patronage of the livings of Illsington, co. Devon, and Stonehouse, co. Gloucester. His will, dated 9/18 (1865), was proved 10/27/1565 by his brother-in-law, William Fowler, Gent. V. Robert, of London, who died 1592, whose will dated December 31, 1592, was proved January 9, 1593, by William Fowler, Gent. VI. John, of Frocester, who married , and died 1558. His will dated April 10, 1557, was proved by his wife March 1558. VII. Alice, who married before 1565, William Fowler, Gent., of Stonehouse, co. Gloucester. VIII. Ann, who married Clutterbuck.   Image: Arms of Lugg of Lugwardine, 1495. Note: Lugg Arms… Nichol’s History co. Leicester… Correspondence of the writer with the Vicar of Frocester, (1904) failed to locate the site of the tomb of Henry Stephens, but brought out the fact that several of the family are buried there, as well as at Eastington which is about eleven miles distance.

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“Variations” in Records: For the early members of this lineage, there are no birth records. In the 1904 genealogy, that I use as my primary reference, there are no birth dates given, mostly the author uses “lived in the reign of ___” to create a “timeline”. In my research, I found no church baptism records, etc. As noted by all the genealogy authors: verifiable lineage “father-to-son” is not possible, however, anyone living in England within this time frame is thought to have been a descendant of Airard Fitz Stephen, commander of the Mora, who came to England with William the Conqueror in 1066.

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Note (Jody Gray): this is a "work in progress" as I am in the process of transcribing the 1904 Genealogy from its archived file (ancestry.com)

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