The Underhill family name
has roots tracing back to the 1200’s in the Staffordshire area. A Robert
Underhill of Bushbury resided there. Over time the family became associated
with the Northycote Farm.[i]
From the late 16th century through 1791 it was recorded that a
Catholic branch of the Underhill family resided in this area.[ii]
Later the family name spread to Wolverhampton where William Underhill
(1381-1443) and later his son Nicholas Underhill (1411-1489) were born.
[i]
Recorded in a Surveyor’s logbook.
[ii]
To be Catholic in England
at this time would expose the family to the charge of recusancy. Thomas Underhill
was granted use of his estate in January 1645 if he paid a fine of £30.[ii] As
late as 1683 a John Underhill of Northycote was forgiven for recusancy through
a fine of £60, ‘in consideration of his particular merit in being instrumental
in the King’s escape from Worcester ’.
For more info see: Catholic Staffordshire 1500-1850 By Michael Greenslade (Gracewing
Publishing, 2006), p. 132.
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