No discourse on the well-known family names of Harwell would be complete without mention of those who bear the name of the village as their surname. In medieval times, the trade or following of an individual came to be used as a surname and many of these are still in common use, e.g. Smith, Baker, Taylor, etc. In other cases such as a member of a profession or a freehold landowner the place of origin was added after the name, particularly if the individual travelled or was known away from his locality. Thus in the thirteenth century some few villagers would have been known as, for example, … de Harwell or more correctly de Harewell as the present spelling did not come into general use until the seventeenth century.
In 1981, the descendants of John de Harewell (1320 -1386) donated a stained glass window to the Harwell Parish Church to commemorate their ancestry. John was born in the village, the son of a freeholder, and having studied at Oxford University he became a priest. In the service of the Black Prince he rose to become Governor of Aquitaine in southwest France during the Hundred Years War and finally Bishop of Bath and Wells. A stone effigy lies on his table tomb in Wells Cathedral. The fascinating story in America is traced by local historian John Fletcher and a descendant from Texas, Jan Whittaker, in their booklet “The Harwell Trail”.
John de Harewell following the priesthood, of course had no issue. It is to his brother Roger who married an heiress from Wootton Wawen in Warwickshire, that the direct lineage has been uncovered. Several branches of the family were known in the early seventeenth century in Coventry, Wolverhampton, Worcester, Evesham and Suffolk. A Thomas Foulk Harewell abandoned the impoverished family home at Besford, near Worcester, and sailed with his brother in 1636 as colonists to Virginia, from where the family eventually spread across the southern states of America.
No doubt other descendants bearing the name Harwell spread across England. Now however, the surname is extremely rare in England. There are no known descendants in the village now although a scientist at the Atomic Energy Research Establishment can trace a link through marriage to the Harwells who lived in Suffolk in the late seventeenth century. When the surname Harewell became extinct locally is not known. Another John Harewell was known to have been a copyhold tenant in the neighbouring parish of Didcot in the middle of the fourteenth century but a century later the name had disappeared from the list of tenants. The only trace of the family name is on the recent stained glass commemorative window in the church bearing the coat of arms of Bishop John, a shield containing the heads of three golden hares.
Fittingly, if somewhat irreverently, the logo for the 1985 Millennium celebration depicts a pair of hares’ heads back to back with the slogan “Harwell Rules 1K“.
Comments
- The Harwell Family Tree
Webmaster –
1 May 2010
By chance I found these links: Thomas Foulk Harewell (1606 – )Edmund Harwell (1524 – 1594) There are many more Harwells listed, the earliest with dates is
Edmund Harewell (1532 – ) Edmund Harewells grandfather is noted as William Harewell. The slices of time website is maintained by someone in Texas, who presumably is a descendant of the Harwell family. All the English Harwells/Harewells listed are from Besford Court, Worcestershire, England. [June 2016: these links no longer work, and I can’t find references to Har(e)well on the webiste anymore] - Harwell booklet availability
Jamie Harwell McHenry –
9 Jun 2011
I would like to purchase a booklet(s) if possible…we had one that has become “misplaced”. We are from Mississippi. Thank you. - Booklets
Webmaster –
14 Jun 2011
The main book – Village for a 1000 years – is out of print; but the contents are presented in full on this website. If you are looking for other booklets mentioned in the links above, you will need to contact them direct. Good luck. - THE HARWELL TRAIL
Dr. Jan Jenkins (formerly Jan Whittaker) –
10 Apr 2013
I’m so sorry for the delay–I just found this website. I’m afraid that I have no more copies of THE HARWELL TRAIL, the book that Dr. John Fletcher and I published in 1981. I still hold the copyright, though, and so I could potentially reprint in the future. Dr. Jan Jenkins 515 Country Cove Ln Russellville, AR 72802-1276 - Photos of Harwell Parish Church
Suzanne E. Harrel Chapman –
2 Sep 2013
Thomas Foulk Harewell who sailed to Virgina with his brother in 1636 was my 9th great grandfather. I am in the process of creating a lengthy scrapbook using the information I have discovered through Ancestry.com and recent Harrel photos for my family both near and far. I am wondering if anyone has photos of the stained glass installed in 1981, the Harwell village, etc. that they would allow me to use to for my family’s use. I am willing to donate to the Harwell church in the photographer’s name or any other charitable donation for any pictures.Thank you for your consideration, Suzanne E. Chapman - Harwell family
Carole W. Parker –
4 Jul 2014
I am writing reply to Suzanne E. Chapman. Were you able to obtain any photographs of the window, or other photographs. My fourth grandmother was Rhoda Harwell married to Joel Rivers. Alabama Thanks,Carole Parker
Lea Harrington says
I think I may be a direct descendant. Do you offer a digital copy for purchase? I would like to use THE HAREWELL TRAIL as a reference. Did the name transform to Harrell?
Lea Harrington
Dr. Jan Jenkins (formerly Jan Jenkins Whittaker) says
Dear Lea Harrington, yes, in the U.S., the Harwell name was transformed into “Harrell” in a number of places, especially on the frontier, where the semi-literate may not have been absolutely certain how to spell the name. In fact, year after working with Dr. Fletcher on THE HARWELL TRAIL (I was Jan Whittaker then), I found out that my paternal grandmother (a Harrell) was descended from the Harwells, just as my maternal grandfather (Harwell) was. So I am descended from the Harwell family on both sides.
Dr. Jan Jenkins
Thomas Harrell says
Is it possible to get a copy of ‘The Harwell Trail’? Either written or digital format would be acceptable. And, of course, I would be willing to reimburse you for the cost. I have only recently traced my ancestry back to Harewell and I am very interested in gaining this bit of additional information concerning my name.
Deborah Froneberger Scheumann says
Hello,
I am also searching for my Harwell ancestors. My forefathers landed in North Carolina north of Charlotte. The spelling has remained the same as the original spelling. I am just starting this journey for my paternal grandmothers family, Janie Victoria Harwell Froneberger.
Thank you.
Debbie Froneberger Scheumann
Charles harwell says
I am a direct decedent of the Harwell family, I too would like a copy if possible, or how I might acquire one
Mary H. Pierson says
To Suzanne Chapman: I am Mary Harwell Pierson. My Harwell family settled in Tennessee. My birth family is settled mostly in Mississippi. I have some very crude photographs of the window in St. Matthew’s Church taken almost 2 years ago on a trip to Harwell. I’m happy to pass them along. Just let me know how/where.
Crystal Jackson says
My mame is Crystal Jackson my mother is Dena Harwell I am interested in photos if you still have them our Harwell family lives mostly in Arkansas and Oregon
Liz Roberts says
Hello Crystal,
I can’t help you with photos of the family but if you are on Facebook you can follow some Harwell heritage at St Matthew’s church (where the Harwell window is) and in related posts about the village at the page called Harwell St Matthew’s Friends.
I look forward to seeing you over there sometime! Liz Roberts
Dr. Jan Jenkins (formerly Jan Jenkins Whittaker) says
By the way, the misspelling of “Governor” in the Harwell window was corrected shortly after the installation in 1981.
Dr. Jan Jenkins
Kristin Kuhlmann says
Dr. Jenkins:
Is the Harwell Trail still available? My husband is a Harrell, and we would like to obtain a copy. Information would be much appreciated.
Charles harwell says
Dr. Jan. Do u know how I might acquire a copy of the Harwell Travels. I am a direct decedent of the Harewell ( Harwell) family And would love several copy’s. Sincerely Charles Harwell
Bob Harrell says
I just returned from London and also took a side trip to Harwell. I have some satisfactory photos of the window and other items of interest inside St. Matthew’s, including the Gatekeeper Tapestry and accompanying narrative. Feel free to request copies via email. Cheers!
Thomas Harrell says
I would like to receive copies of your info. Can you email to me? I have traced my ancestry back to this time and place. It is a fascinating adventure!
Jessica Harville Pritchett says
I would love to have copies of the pics you took or any other information. I am Harville from the Harewells who came to Virginia!!! Jessicapritchett6711@gmail.com thanks!!!!!
Chapan Harwell, son of Homer, Son John, son of Hennry says
I would love to have copy’s of those photos.
Crystal Jackson says
Hi my mother is a Harwell could you email me some pictures please Im trying to put together our family history my email is
babble_berry82@yahoo.com
Thank you
Ps please label HARWELL HISTORY so I recognize it
Chapan Harwell, son of Homer, Son John, son of Hennry says
My family has a xerox copy of The Harwell Trail, but im very interested in getting an official copy. Also i would like to have a flag made with the crest of John de Harewell. If any one has pictures i could work from i would be grateful.
Thomas Harrell says
Please email to me any info you have. Also, I would really like to get a copy of The Harwell Trail. Can you also email to me and let me know if you find a way to get an official copy?
Thanks, Thomas Harrell
Mary Pierson says
Please tell me how to send photos we took on a trip we took circa 2013. I’d love to have a copy of The Harwell Trail – Xerox or otherwise. I’m happy to pay for it.
Charles harwell says
I would also like to have a copy. Could you please help me? Thanks Charles Harwell
Liz Roberts says
Chapan Harrell, you may have had a response already since you posted 3 weeks ago but did you see the comment I posted yesterday about finding pics of the coat of arms, people and other things of village historical interest on Harwell St Matthew Friends Facebook page? Spread the word and we can share wider …
Mary Pierson says
Thank you, Liz! I fully intend to sit with a cup of tea and spend some time on the Facebook page. In-the-mean-time, I’ve sent some pics and docs to Jessica via email. Nothing so detailed as what’s available thanks to the village’s collection! I would love to return to England for a week of family research some day! MHP
Liz Roberts says
You’ve put it in writing now, so you’ll have to come over one day and we do very much look forward to welcoming you. If you’re into everything ancient, you may have read about an unparalleled discovery of a Roman villa in the South of England a few days ago. That’s less than 50miles/80km from Harwell. If and when you do come, please allow St Matthew’s to treat you: page 6 of http://harwellandchiltonchurches.org.uk/Publisher/File.aspx?ID=151392. We have quite a little tour in mind! All good wishes.
Liz Roberts says
How lovely to see all these comments – and some so recent. If you’re interested in St Matthew’s Church, where ancestors will have worshipped and where The Window is located, you can keep up with weekly new pics over on Facebook – check out Harwell St Matthews Friends. Scroll back to the beginning of this year for pictures of it and the Gatekeeper tapestry.
Timothy Lynn Harwell says
Searching for my roots. Earliest Ancestor I could find is George Dalton Harwell. Buried at Whitewater Church, near Griffin Ga. (Brooks Station),1890.
From what I read the Harwell’s have all moved from Harwell England.
Liz Roberts says
Hi Timothy Lynn Harwell, we don’t have anyone in the village called Harwell, now, that’s for sure. But if you fancy keeping up with photographic and documentary finds about the church, where your ancestors will have worshipped, there is a Facebook page called Harwell St Matthew’s Friends. It would be nice to see you over there!
Best wishes, Liz Roberts
Crystal Jackson says
Timothy is your father’s name Gordon BeBe Harwell?
Liz Roberts says
I am writing to contact Suzanne E Chapman and Carole Parker. Have you found what you need? Would taking a look at the Facebook page Harwell St Matthew’s Friends (https://www.facebook.com/HarwellChurchFriends/?ref=bookmarks) help? It’s been created since your first enquiries.
Liz Roberts, Harwell village.
Doug J. Roark says
All of the preceding notes are very informing and quite valuable. My humble thanks to John M. Fletcher and Dr. Jan Whittaker Jenkins and their
accomplishments
My maternal grandmother was a Harrill from Tennessee. It has been a blast to go back to medieval history and the manor system. Apparently, an Atte Halle changed his family name to Harewell (Harwell) in honor of the feudal village in which he lived. Also, did the English name Attel Halle become Hall?
Did Harewell become Harrell/Harrill after family members reach America? I had assumed that. Some of my relatives use the Harrill spelling while other use Harrell. Also, how did Harrold come into the mix? I had thought that that spelling was Germanic.
Spelling changes over the years have created many research problems. I have found over thirty different spelling variations of my surname, Roark. As a retired history teacher, I realized that illiteracy and partial literacy contributed to this problem. Attribute this to census takers and officials in port of entries as well as the people themselves. Thanks to all the hard work and research that so many of you do and have done.
Stan McCombs says
My mothers maiden name was Harwell. Her father was T M Harwell of Mcnairy Co. Tn. Can anyone that have any info on his family send it via email. I have not been able to go any further than his name. Thanks
Wesley Harwell says
Stan,
My name is Wesley Harwell, and she must be closely related to my branch of the family, since my grandfather’s side of the family lived in McNairy County and Chester County for well over 100 years. My wife and I did some research a couple of years ago and we’d have to revisit it, but I’m sure we could find the link. What’s your email, I’d be glad to get in touch.
Jay Harrill says
This is fascinating! I traced my heritage on ancestry.com the best I could and find that John Harrell Archbishop of Bath was in my tree… that is if what I was reading was correct. My Harrill family is from Cleveland County in NC and I have found traces back to Virginia in the 1600’s. If anyone has any information, pictures, etc. I would greatly appreciate it. I am happy to fill in any blanks for others if possible.