NOTE: PLEASE use any tree that is found on My Heritage.com, Ancestry.com, familysearch.org WITH CAUTION they have continually been merged, re-merged and miss merged with each other.

The connection as to Stephen Hardisty being the father of William Hardisty has to be further researched - as for years and the best of researchers William's parentage has been listed as UNKNOWN.

1. 1st known in England Hardisty

1st known in England Hardisty had the following children:

• +2 i. John Hardestie (Hardisty) (1528-1616) of Norwood, born 1528, Fewston, Yorkshire, England; died Dec 1616, Fewston, Yorkshire, England.
• +3 ii. Stephen William Hardisty born abt 1555, Fewston, Yorkshire, England; died 30 Jun 1619, Thruscross, Fewston, Yorkshire, England..

Second Generation

2. John Hardestie (Hardisty) (1528-1616) of Norwood (1st known in England-1) was born in 1528 in Fewston, Yorkshire, England. He died in Dec 1616 at the age of 88 in Fewston, Yorkshire, England. He was buried on 27 Dec 1616 in Fewston, Yorkshire, England. Dorothy Mrs John Hardisty (1528-1616) died on 16 Jul 1623 in England.

John Hardestie (Hardisty) and Dorothy had the following children:

• 4 i. Jane Hardistie (Hardisty) was born (date unknown).
• +5 ii. John Hardisty ( Hardestie) born 1584; married Mary Palmes (Palmer), 15 Oct 1604, Otley, York, England; died Feb 1626/7.
• 6 iii. Daniel Hardestie (Hardisty) was born in 1597.
• 7 iv. Samuel Hardistie ( Hardisty) was born on 18 Dec 1597. He died on 26 Dec 1616 at the age of 19.
• 8 v. William Hardestie (Hardisty) was born in 1598 in 1630.
• 9 vi. Mary Hardistie Hardestie (Hardisty) was born in 1599. She died in 1600 at the age of 1.
• 10 vii. Ann Hardestie (Hardisty) was born in 1601.
• 11 viii. Elizabeth Hardistie (Hardisty) was born in 1603.
• 12 ix. Joshua (Josua) Hardestie (Hardisty) was born in 1604. He died in 1688 at the age of 84.
• 13 x. Marie Hardisty ???? was born on 15 Feb 1605.

3. Stephen William Hardisty c (1528-1616) & Dorothy (1st known in England-1) was born about 1555 in Fewston, Yorkshire, England. He died on 30 Jun 1619 at the age of 64 in Thruscross, Fewston,

Yorkshire, England...

Stephen William Hardisty and Ann <Isabelle> <Hardcastle > had the following children:

• +14 i. William [Willm] (William W. S.) Hardestie [Hardisty] , born bet 1575 and 1577, <Hampsthwaite, Yorkshire, England >; married Ann Mrs William [Willm] (William W. S.) Hardestie [Hardisty], bef 1602, Hampsthwaite, Yorkshire, England; died aft 4 Mar 1661, Hampsthwaite, Yorkshire Will Dtd 4 March 1661.
• +15 ii. Ann Hardisty born bef 1575, Fewston, Yorkshire, England;; married William (Willm) Slingsby h/o Ann Hardisty, 1 Feb 1600, St. Michael's Church, Fewston, York, England; died Dec 1613, Fewaron (Hampsthwaite), Yorkshire, England.
• 16 iii. John Hardisty was born in 1577 in Fewston, Yorkshire, England;. He died on 26 Feb 1624/5 at the age of 48 in Fewston, Yorkshire, England;.
• 17 iv. Thomas Hardisty was born in 1590 in Yorkshire, England. He died in 1637 at the age of 47 in Thruscross, Fewston, Yorkshire, England;. He died in 1637 at the age of 47 in Fewston, Yorkshire, England;.
• +18 v. George Hardesty (Hardisty) born 1598, Fewston, Yorkshire, England; married Martha A. Person, 1617, England; died 1666, Lyons Creek Hundred, Calvert, Maryland.
• +19 vi. Christopher Hardisty , born ABT 1585/1589, Fewston, Otley, Yorkshire, England; married Bridget Emson (Edmondson, Empson), 23 Oct 1615, St. Michael's Church, Fewston, Yorkshire, England;; married Margaret Suttell, 7 Jun 1623, St. Michael's Church, Fewston, Yorkshire, England; married Dorothy Pullan, 10 Jul 1610, St. Michael's Church, Fewston, Yorkshire, England; died 14 May 1651, Fewston, Otley, Yorkshire, England.

------------------------------ another line backwards is given as:

1 William Hardesty Birth 1580 in Birstwith, Hampsthwaite, Yorkshire, England Death 1663 in Hall Garth Hampsthwaite, Yorkshire, England

• Spouse Ann Horner1583 – 1606
• Children:
• Francis Hardisty1603 – 1658
• Alice Hardesty1604 – 1674
• Arthur H Hardesty1605 – 1658
• Madelon Hardesty1606 – 1641

Spouse 2nd Isabel Hardcastle1592 – 1623

• Children:
• Ellen Hardesty1609 – 1704
• Elizabeth Hardesty1611 – 1611
• Mary (Marie) Hardesty1613 – 1704
• Isabella Hardesty1623 – 1708

wm. s/o 2 Francis Hardesty Birth 1555 in Fewston Yorkshire, England Death in Birstwith, Yorkshire, England Note: Birth dates are baptismal/christening dates married Elizabeth Smythe Birth 1555 Death d/o William Smythe Birth 1525

Francis s/o 3 Thomas Hardistie Birth 1526 in Fewston Yorkshire, England Death 1578 in Fewston Yorkshire, England married Elizabeth Snowdon Birth 1525 Death

ADMINISTRATION OP THOMAS HARDISTY's EFFECTS. Membrane 3. Nov. 12, 20 Elizabeth.—Laurence Snawdon is admitted as administrator of the effects of Thomas Hardestie..

Thomas s/o 4 Thomas Hardistie http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/30924449/person/26069681378 Birth 1501 in Fewston Yorkshire, England Death

Thomas s/o 5 Steven Hardistie Birth 1475 in Fewston Yorkshire Death

• children:
• William Hardistie1500 – 1561
• Thomas Hardistie1501 –

Steven s/o 6 William Hardistie Birth 1450 in Fewston Yorkshire Death

• Children:
• Steven Hardistie1475 –
• John Hardistie1476

– 

wm s/o

7 Steven Hardistie Birth 1425 in Fewston Yorkshire, England s/o

8 William Hardistie Birth 1400 in Fewston Yorkshire, England Death s/o

9 Steven Hardistie Birth 1375 in Fewston Yorkshire, England Death s/o

10 Steven Hardistie Birth 1350 in Fewston Yorkshire, England Death s/o

11 ----- Hardistie Birth 1325 in Yorkshire Death

• children:
• Steven Hardistie1350 –
• John Hardistie1351 –

  ---

Little Timble, Great Timble & The Hamlet of Snowden by William Grange 1895

---------------------------------------------
1. WILLIAM2 HARDISTY (?1) was born Abt. 1577 in Hampsthwaite, Yorkshire, and died 4 March 1660/61 in Hampsthwaite, Yorkshire. He married ANN Abt. 1602 in Hampsthwaite, Yorkshire. She was born Abt. 1583 in Hampsthwaite, Yorkshire, and died Unknown. Children of WILLIAM HARDISTY and ANN are: i. ROBERT3 HARDISTY, d. Unknown. ii. FRANCIS HARDISTY, b. Abt. 1603, Hampsthwaite, Yorkshire; d. Unknown; m. ELLEN BREAKS, 1642; d. Unknown. iii. ALICE HARDISTY, b. 2 September 1604; d. April 1674. 2. iv. WILLIAM HARDISTY, b. Abt. 1604; d. Unknown. 3. v. ARTHUR HARDISTY, b. 1605, Hampsthwaite, Yorkshire; d. 4 September 1658, Hampsthwaite, Yorkshire. vi. MADELON HARDISTY, b. 30 March 1606; d. October 1641, Hampsthwaite, Yorkshire. vii. ELINOR HARDISTY, b. 8 October 1609; d. Unknown. viii. MARY HARDISTY, b. 16 May 1613; d. Unknown. ix. JENIT HARDISTY, b. 16 July 1615; d. Unknown

http://www.hardistyfamilytree.com/

=========================

Records in the Borthwick Institute date back to the year 1213. The records trace the Hardesty family (spelled Hardisty or Hardistee in England, back to the reign of Elizabeth I, 1558-1605. (Another source lists the name of Hoedestie who was King of Saxons in 1200's or 1300's.) The indices of the National Register of Archives (NRA) in London can be researched over the Internet using Telnet."

HARDESTY HERITAGE
The Borthwick Institute of Historical Research, York, England, specializes in a study of the administrative and legal history of ecclesiastical institutions within the northern province of England. Records in the Borthwick Institute date back to the year 1213. The records trace the Hardesty family (spelled Hardisty or Hardistee) in England, back to the reign of Elizabeth 1, 1558-1605.

The first recorded Hardesty ancestor, in our branch of the family was William, date of birth not known, whose wife was Ann. His will, dated 4 March 1661, mentions three children and daughter-in-law Dorothie, wife of son Arthur. William S. W. died in 1661.

Arthur was born ca 1600-03 in the hamlet of Hampsthwaite, Hampsthwaite township in the diocese of York in northern England. His will was dated 2 August 1658. He was buried 14 September 1658.

Arthur and Dorothy were the parents of Mary b 1631, Ann b 1633, William b 1635, John b 1639, Thomas b 1642, and Sarah b 1645.

The township of Hampsthwaite was settled mainly by the Norse, (Norwegians) who have been known for their large stature. Some of the Hardestys have been known to have a large sturdy body and were large boned people. There might be a clue in this comparison indicating a possible Norwegian ancestory. This is a possible topic for future study and research.

The townships of Felliscliffe, Clint and Birstwith are adjacent to the township of Hampsthwaite and these townships too were settled by the Norse.

Thomas, the fifth child of Arthur and Dorothy, was born in Hampsthwaite, York, England and baptised 4 September 1643. He was married in 1665, wife's name unknown. To them were born ten children. The third child was Francis. The baptismal entry for the baptism of Francis reads, "1671 Francis Hardesty, son of Thomas Hardesty of Hollins, York, England, was baptised March ye 10th".

Francis emigrated to North America, ca 1700-02. On January 3, 1703 he married Ruth Morley Gaither. A second marriage was made to Dorcus Linthicum 4 December 1719. Six children were born to this marriage, the fifth child was Robert, b. 23 October 1730. Robert was probably born at The Landing which was 70 acres, or at Gaither's Range, 200 acres, both located at the "head" of South River in Ann Arundel, County, Maryland. Robert's father, Francis, was the guardian of this property by marrying the "Relict" (widow) of John Gaither. These two pieces of property were held in Francis's name. The value of the estate left by Francis was considered to be a goodly sum for that day.

Robert, the fifth child of Francis and Dorcus, was born 23 October, 1730 in Ann Arundel County, Maryland. He married Elizabeth, date not known. Robert died 1790 in Prince George County, Maryland. To this marriage nine children were born. The fifth child was Edmond, b September 24, 1766. (U. S. Census on microfilm 1850) Edmond married Ruth Chaney 22 December 1792. (Ann Arundel County marriage record, 1777-1813, page 51. Edmond and Ruth are the point of beginning in this genealogy and are the only Hardestys in Generation I [of this book].

Children of William Hardisty and Ann are:

• i. Francis Hardisty, born Abt. 1603 in Hampsthwaite, Yorkshire; Baptism: December 11, 1603;died Unknown; married Ellen Breaks 1642; died Unknown.
• ii. William Hardisty, born Abt. 1604; married Alice Hardisty November 03, 1629 in Hampsthwaite, Yorkshire; died Unknown.
• iii. Alice Hardisty, born September 02, 1604;Baptism: December 02, 1604; died April 1674.
• 1728 iv. Arthur Hardesty, born Abt. 1605 in Hampswaite, Yorks, Eng; died Abt. August 1658 in Hampswaite, Yorks, Eng; married Dorothie Hardesty 1630 in Hampswaite, Yorks, Eng.
• v. Madelon Hardisty, born March 30, 1606; died October 1641 in Hampsthwaite, Yorkshire.
• vi. Elinor Hardisty, born October 08, 1609.
• vii. Mary Hardisty, born May 16, 1613.
• viii. Jenit Hardisty, born July 16, 1615

1. WILLIAM2 HARDISTY (?1) was born Abt. 1577 in Hampsthwaite, Yorkshire, and died 4 March 1660/61 in Hampsthwaite, Yorkshire. He married ANN Abt. 1602 in Hampsthwaite, Yorkshire. She was born Abt. 1583 in Hampsthwaite, Yorkshire, and died Unknown. Children of WILLIAM HARDISTY and ANN are: i. ROBERT3 HARDISTY, d. Unknown. ii. FRANCIS HARDISTY, b. Abt. 1603, Hampsthwaite, Yorkshire; d. Unknown; m. ELLEN BREAKS, 1642; d. Unknown. iii. ALICE HARDISTY, b. 2 September 1604; d. April 1674. 2. iv. WILLIAM HARDISTY, b. Abt. 1604; d. Unknown. 3. v. ARTHUR HARDISTY, b. 1605, Hampsthwaite, Yorkshire; d. 4 September 1658, Hampsthwaite, Yorkshire. vi. MADELON HARDISTY, b. 30 March 1606; d. October 1641, Hampsthwaite, Yorkshire. vii. ELINOR HARDISTY, b. 8 October 1609; d. Unknown. viii. MARY HARDISTY, b. 16 May 1613; d. Unknown. ix. JENIT HARDISTY, b. 16 July 1615; d. Unknown

http://www.hardistyfamilytree.com/

=========================

Records in the Borthwick Institute date back to the year 1213. The records trace the Hardesty family (spelled Hardisty or Hardistee in England, back to the reign of Elizabeth I, 1558-1605. (Another source lists the name of Hoedestie who was King of Saxons in 1200's or 1300's.) The indices of the National Register of Archives (NRA) in London can be researched over the Internet using Telnet."

------------------------------------------

HARDESTY HERITAGE
The Borthwick Institute of Historical Research, York, England, specializes in a study of the administrative and legal history of ecclesiastical institutions within the northern province of England. Records in the Borthwick Institute date back to the year 1213. The records trace the Hardesty family (spelled Hardisty or Hardistee) in England, back to the reign of Elizabeth 1, 1558-1605.

The first recorded Hardesty ancestor, in our branch of the family was William, date of birth not known, whose wife was Ann. His will, dated 4 March 1661, mentions three children and daughter-in-law Dorothie, wife of son Arthur. William S. W. died in 1661.

Arthur was born ca 1600-03 in the hamlet of Hampsthwaite, Hampsthwaite township in the diocese of York in northern England. His will was dated 2 August 1658. He was buried 14 September 1658.

Arthur and Dorothy were the parents of Mary b 1631, Ann b 1633, William b 1635, John b 1639, Thomas b 1642, and Sarah b 1645.

The township of Hampsthwaite was settled mainly by the Norse, (Norwegians) who have been known for their large stature. Some of the Hardestys have been known to have a large sturdy body and were large boned people. There might be a clue in this comparison indicating a possible Norwegian ancestory. This is a possible topic for future study and research.

The townships of Felliscliffe, Clint and Birstwith are adjacent to the township of Hampsthwaite and these townships too were settled by the Norse.

Thomas, the fifth child of Arthur and Dorothy, was born in Hampsthwaite, York, England and baptised 4 September 1643. He was married in 1665, wife's name unknown. To them were born ten children. The third child was Francis. The baptismal entry for the baptism of Francis reads, "1671 Francis Hardesty, son of Thomas Hardesty of Hollins, York, England, was baptised March ye 10th".

Francis emigrated to North America, ca 1700-02. On January 3, 1703 he married Ruth Morley Gaither. A second marriage was made to Dorcus Linthicum 4 December 1719. Six children were born to this marriage, the fifth child was Robert, b. 23 October 1730. Robert was probably born at The Landing which was 70 acres, or at Gaither's Range, 200 acres, both located at the "head" of South River in Ann Arundel, County, Maryland. Robert's father, Francis, was the guardian of this property by marrying the "Relict" (widow) of John Gaither. These two pieces of property were held in Francis's name. The value of the estate left by Francis was considered to be a goodly sum for that day.

Robert, the fifth child of Francis and Dorcus, was born 23 October, 1730 in Ann Arundel County, Maryland. He married Elizabeth, date not known. Robert died 1790 in Prince George County, Maryland. To this marriage nine children were born. The fifth child was Edmond, b September 24, 1766. (U. S. Census on microfilm 1850) Edmond married Ruth Chaney 22 December 1792. (Ann Arundel County marriage record, 1777-1813, page 51. Edmond and Ruth are the point of beginning in this genealogy and are the only Hardestys in Generation I [of this book].

Children of William Hardisty and Ann are:

• i. Francis Hardisty, born Abt. 1603 in Hampsthwaite, Yorkshire; Baptism: December 11, 1603;died Unknown; married Ellen Breaks 1642; died Unknown.
• ii. William Hardisty, born Abt. 1604; married Alice Hardisty November 03, 1629 in Hampsthwaite, Yorkshire; died Unknown.
• iii. Alice Hardisty, born September 02, 1604;Baptism: December 02, 1604; died April 1674.
• 1728 iv. Arthur Hardesty, born Abt. 1605 in Hampswaite, Yorks, Eng; died Abt. August 1658 in Hampswaite, Yorks, Eng; married Dorothie Hardesty 1630 in Hampswaite, Yorks, Eng.
• v. Madelon Hardisty, born March 30, 1606; died October 1641 in Hampsthwaite, Yorkshire.
• vi. Elinor Hardisty, born October 08, 1609.
• vii. Mary Hardisty, born May 16, 1613.
• viii. Jenit Hardisty, born July 16, 1615

------------------------------------------

The family from Hardisty Hill written by Harry Hardcastle taken from Pately Bridge & Nidderdale Herald 1988

Hardisty House Farm stands prominent on south-facing farmland on Hardisty Hill, overlooking Blubberhouses and the Washburn Valle. A stone lintel above the farmhouse's front door bears the inscription WHH 1728.

The farmhouse is now the home of Mr. John Pickard and his sister, Miss Annie Picard. Adjacent to the famr house is a barn attached to what appears to be an old cottage which is thought once to have been a home of the Hardisty family long before Hardisty House Farm was built.

There are interesting ornate lintels on two adjoining doors in the old cottage - one bears the date 1687 and an inscription which appears to be COM.

The family settled in the area before Doomsday, says our historian, Miss Joanna Dawson of Hartwith, who states that the ancient family's name is reputed to be of Norse origin. "There is mention of Hardulf's Path in ancient manuscript," she adds.

During research on the Hardisty family, Miss Dawson has looked at the Poll Tax Roll of 1379 for the Constabulary of Timble, Fewston and Blubberhouses where it is recorded that John de Hardolfsty and Stephen de Hardisty were each paying 4d. Old Hardisty, "spur, sword and armour-making for the King", is known to have resided in Washburn Dell around 1400m, in the reign of Henry IV.

In 1504 John and Stephen Hardistie were witnesses in one of the great law suits of history, known as "The Plumpton Trials".

In 1596 there were six Hardisty families residing in the Ancient Knaresborough Forest which extended over land at Blubberhouses.

In 1601 Anne Hardisty married William Slingsby of the famous Scriven, Knaresborough, family, and William Hardisty married in to this noted Frankland family which had roots in the Washburn Valley.

During the year 1616 there were five deaths in the family, and their burial at Fewston is recorded in parish registers.

In 1626 John Hardisty's will bequeathed "all my household goods in and about my houses and all my beasts, horses and sheep to my wife Mary." while Stepeh Hardisty's will around the same time left "all my household stuff, including bed, chests, arks and amberies" to his children. Both wills reveal that the Hardistys were a family with possessions well above most of their contemporaries.

In 1681 when William and Arthur Hardisty purchased the manorial rights of their part of the Forest of Knaresborough, most of the Hardistys were listed in wills as yeomans. William Hardisty, of Hardisty Hill, died in 1689, leaving "one hearth, 4 kine, 2 whyes, 3 heifers, 2 young steers £9, 3 stirks, 6 calves, 2 old mares £9, 16 sheep £2.8s, poultry 5s, geese 13s4d, barley £2, corn sown value 13s4d."

His will was signed by William, Joseph and Francis Hardisty and William Oddy. His relative, Stephen Hardisty had died eleven years previously, leaving similar stock and also 2 coups (sledge carts, whithout wheels and used for carrying farm manure), and two carts with wheels.

In 1785 Susanna Hardisty, daughter of William Hardisty married Jonathan Ward who consequently became the owner of the Hardisty family estate, sometimes known as Hardisty Hall.

Last week, this series took the family's history back to the late 14th century and concluded with the marriage in 1785 of Susanna Hardisty, daughter of William Hardisty, to Jonathan Ward who consequently became the owner of the estate called Hardisty Hall, Blubberhouses. He sold part of the estate to Colbeck, Ellis, Wilks and Co. for the building of Westhouse Mill. Another heiress married Thomas Scaife, of Braisty Woods, Summerbridge, and a farm house called Skaife House was built on former Hardisty land. A descendant of this brance of the family is the Yorkshire archeologist, Mr Robert Hardisty Skaife.

Though Hardisty land found its way in to other hands, members of the Hardisty family are recorded in the two volumes of printed wills in the rolls of the Honour of Knaresborough, in the parishes of Felliscliffe, Birstwith, Fewston, Norwood, Timble, Thruscross, Beckwithshaw, Saltergate Hill, Killinhall, Hampsthwaite, Dacre and High Bishopside. And one branch of the family settled on high land at Sigsworth Grange above Wath, Pateley Bridge.

Parish and church records show that the Hardistys had valuable roles in the communities in their individual areas.

George Hardisty, a clogger, was a member of the Blubberhouses Methodist Society in 1763 while Joshua helped in the enclosing of the Forest of Knaresborough in 1778 and received 21 allotments, chiefly in Norwood.

In 1780 William and Joseph Hardisty were Overseers of the Poor. In 1803 Humphrey Hardisty was a leader in the Westhouse Methodist Society, and Joseph Hardisty a leader of the chapel at West End in the Washburn Valley.

Around 1822, Stephen Hardisty was angaged in upgrading local roads which carried an increasing amount of traffic to Lancashire. He carted and broke stones for road repairs and also renovated dithces for which he was paid 2d a rood.

In Smith's Directory of Leading Inhabitants, 1837, a William Hardisty was schoolmaster at Timble, another William Hardisty, of Fewston, was a carrier working between Skipton, Knaresborough and Ripon and was also a shopkeeper. A Joshua Hardisty was listed as a druggist at Hardisty Hill.

The censuses of 1841 and 1851 show a considerable number of Hardistys in Fewston Parish - William Hardisty was a grover in Fewston village, Charles Hardisty and his sons, William, Charles and Thomas farmed near Scow Hall, and Anna Hardisty and her son John, farmed at Brass Castle. Joshua Hardisty and his son WIlliam farmed in the Brown Bank area. The family was also well represented in the Parish of Thruscross - Mary Hardisty was a grocer at Low Mill, her son Joshua was a shoemaker; a younger son, Mathew was a linen weaver and her youngest sons, John and Charles, were at school.

Dinah Hardisty lived at Breaks Fold with the gransome, Hardisty Fryer. Jane Hardisty lived at Lower Wll Syke and her sons were William, farmer, John, shoemaker and James, flax-dresser. Her daughters, Mary, Hannah and Martha, were flax spinners. West End's Gate House Inn was owned by Mr. Hardisty Metcalfe.

The only recorded Hardisty left on the family's former lands at Blubberhouses was William, a miller, aged 28. He and his wife, Mary, 22 lived at Westhouse Cottage. The late Mrs. Thomas Harrison of Darley was proud to be a Hardisty descendant and claimed that there was no family in the area of more ancient origin.

The Hardisty has a long anglo-saxon heritage.

the name comes from when a family lived in the village of Hardisty hill located in the parish of Fewston , in the county of Yorkshire. in its old English form this place-name was originally Hardolfsty with it origin in the name Hardhulf.

The Hardesty name is one of that class of surnames which are derived from place names.

This surname is of Yorkshire, West Riding, origins. It derives from the two places called either Hardisty in Nesfield, near Ilkley, or Hardisty Hill near Fewston, in the same area.

The origination is Norse Viking and the hamlets names mean "The sty of Hardolf." The word "sty"` had a completely different meaning to today (20th century). Now it describes a small building in which an unfortunate pig is kept, then in the 9th Century it described a farm of some size. "Hardolf" is made up of two compounds - "hard" which describes somebody who was hard and brave, and "ulf" - a wolf. The Norse- Vikings loved names which reflected their attitudes, and this is a good example.

The name is, as shown above, Heardwulfstig, which being translated into modern English from the Anglo-Saxon, means Hardwolf's Path. Who was Hardwolf?? He was, apparently, a Saxon landowner of pre-Norman times in Fewston Parish, Yorkshire. Hardwolf was in time spelled Hardulf or Hardolf. The Poll Tax records for the West Riding of Yorkshire in the year 1379 show a Stephanus and a Johannes de Hardolfsty, both from the village of Timble Great, or Great Timble as it is known today. From Fewston, Hardestys spread into surrounding parishes, with the parish of Hampsthwaite being one of the major sources of the colonial Hardestys. The family has spread from this small parish to around the world

The name is first recorded in the 14th century (see below) and a Coat of Arms was also granted to the Yorkshire family, being a blue field charged with a lion rampant between three fleur de lis, this blazon implying victory over the French.

Examples of the surname recording include William Hardosty in the York Rolls of 1450, whilst in the church registers An Hardisty married William Sligsby at Fewston Church on February 1st 1600 in the reign of Queen Elizabeth 1 (1558 - 1603). Amongst the early settlers to New England in 1635 was one John Hardisse, as recorded. It is possible that he was originally a "Hardisty" who fell foul of 17th century spelling. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of John de Hardolssty, which was dated 1379, The Friary & Poll Tax Rolls of Yorkshire, during the reign of King Richard 11, known as "Richard of Bordeaux" 1377 - 1399.

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before english spelling was standized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle AGes, even the literate spelled their names differrently as the ENglish language incorporated elemnets of french, Latin, and other European languages,. Manuy variations of the name Hardisty have been found, including' hardisty, hardesty, Hardistry, Hardystry, Hardestye, Hardistye, Hardestey, hardestie, Hardest,Hardester and others.

Recorded as Hardolfsty in 14th Century documents relating to that county, the first element is the Old English personal name Hardolf, a compound of 'hard', meaning 'hardy', 'brave', or 'strong', plus 'wulf', a wolf, ultimately from the Old Norse 'ulf', wolf, plus the Old English 'stig', sty. A sty was a pen, enclosure or cabin generally for a cattle, poultry, or swine, hence, 'hardolf's sty'

Hampsthwaite

The earliest written record of the settlement (circa 1180) is as ?SHamethwayt?T in the Early Yorkshire Charters.

The name 'Thwaite' comes from the Old Scandinavian word 'thveit', meaning 'clearing, meadow or paddock' and Hampsthwaite simply means the thwaite, or meadow, of Hamr or Hammall. An alternative possibility is that the name 'Hamps' may derive from the Middle English, 'Hanespe', which means 'summer dry', i.e. dry in summer. It is not clear that this was ever a feature of the River Nidd which runs through here although the Roman road from 'Olicana' (Ilkley) to 'Isurium' (Aldborough) crossed the Nidd at Hamps-thwaite and this led to the development of a market.

Hampsthwaite was situated within the Forest of Knaresborough, which was established as a royal hunting preserve in the time of the Conqueror. The church of Hampsthwaite was in existence soon after the Norman Conquest and was at one time in the possession of the monks of Knaresborough

= = = =

Harrogate and the Forest of Knaresborough by William Grainge 1870

p. 485:
The family of Hardisty appears to have settled here in very early times, as in the poll Tax Roll, 2nd Richard II (1378-9), we find in Villa de Tymble, Knaresborough Liberty, 'Johannes de Hardolfsty, iiij d.,' and 'Stephanus ‘ de Hardolfsty, iiij d. ' Again, in