Robert Underhill of Bushbury

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 16^th 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.

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[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.