GENEALOGY AND BIOGRAPHY.
RIDLEYS OF RIDLEY HALL, CHESTERSHIRE, ENGLAND.
Bryon Ridley, of Ridley Hall, in Chestershire, England, is the first
known ancestor of the Ridley family. He was "of Ridley" in the year
1157. No mention of his wife. The family surname was adopted about
the time of the coming of the Conqueror; hence, previously, the family
that lived at Ridley had only been known by their Christian names.
In
the early generations they are frequently called "de Rideleigh," and "de
Rydley." The Ridleys are one of eleven families out of thirty-seven in the
north of England, that dated back to the time of the Conquest, found by
Grey in 1649. They have been so independent, that some have said they
"kept a boat of their own in the time of the flood, and so were under
no obligation to Noah." Descended from Bryon were the following:-
SECOND GENERATION.
John Ridley' (1), who married a daughter of Sir Edward Warren, of
Poynton, Knt., and had issue.*
THIRD GENERATION.
Richard Ridley' (1), who married Martha, daughter of Sir Hugh
Cholmondely, by whom he had issue, of whom more hereafter. He was
denominated "of Ridley."
Jane Ridley (1), only daughter of John² (1), married to Sir Henry
Delves, of whom is descended the Lord Sheffelde.
FOURTH GENERATION.
Mary Ridley' (1), a daughter of Richards (1), married to Sir John
Cotton, of whom are descended the Fitz-Herberts and Bradbournes of
Chester.
John Ridley (2), eldest son and successor of Richard³ (1), of Ridley,
married the daughter of Egerton, of Egerton, and died sine prole in the
year 1258.
Robert Ridley' (1), second son of Richards (1), of Ridley, married a
daughter of Sir Henry Venables, and became the head of this family on
the death of his brother John. He had issue, of whom hereafter.
* SIBBILLA RIDLEY, daughter of John Ridley, of Ridley, was the wife of William
Phillips, "second sonne, citizen and marchantaylor [merchant tailor] of London."
No date found. Cannot tell what John Ridley.
