Biography
Henry of Ecclesley Hall married Joan, daughter of Simon de Monte Alto (Maud). The NZ pedigree identifies him as the occupant of Ecclesley Hall. Victor Exley noted in his August 1985 letter that the NZ pedigree was “the first to state definitely that this Henry was of Exley Hall.”
His children Ellen and Robert left their property “to Richard s. of Roger, s. of Richard, s. of William de Ecclesley of Dewsbury”, connecting the Swaina/Hugh/Henry line to the William de Dewsbury (c.1245) line.
Evidence
- “Henry of Ecclesley Hall, m. Joan daughter of Simon de Monte Alto (Maud)” (NZ Pedigree Sheets (Typed), sheet 1)
- Victor notes the NZ pedigree was “the first to state definitely that this Henry was of Exley Hall” (Victor Exley Letter Aug 1985)
- Victor Exley - The Exleys A Genealogical Study (1983) mentions the marriage of Henry de Ecclesley to Joan, youngest daughter of the “heirs of Morton”
Open Questions
- What is the relationship between Henry’s family (Swaina > Hugh > Henry) and the William de Dewsbury (c.1245) family? The property bequest from Ellen and Robert to descendants of William de Ecclesley of Dewsbury suggests a connection but not necessarily direct descent.