The Roots of the Hardcastles

An Old Yorkshire Family

This is the history of the Hardcastle family who appears to have been originated from Northumberland, near the Hadrian's Roman Wall. In the 13th century, the family settled in Yorkshire where land was granted to Fountains Abbey, and, in all probability, gave name to the place Hardcastle on Greenhow Hill in the Manor of Bewerley in Nidderdale. The first reference to a Hardcastle was in 1358 when Richard de Hardcastell held the lodge of a grange called Thrope House. The book describes the history of the Hardcastle family beginning with the emigration to Nidderdale in the 13th Century, explains their way of living from the 15th to the 20th century and finally describes their emigration to the U.S.A, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other countries. Also you will find many sources relating to the Hardcastle family worldwide. Writing this book is my expression of gratitude to all Hardcastle descendants for contributing their information and stories in the past 30 years. Your assistance has made this book possible. With this book you hold the history of your ancestors and a piece of your Yorkshire homeland in your hands. I hope you are happy with it. Michael R. Hardcastle