Conway family

In an article titled "The Viking Origins of the Viscounts Conway" the author, William Kerr, traces the ancestry of Sir Henry de Conewey, constable of Rhuddlan Castle, back to Rollo, the Viking, who founded Normandy in the 9th century. Sir Henry was a professional soldier, who had served in many capacities under Edward III, the Black Prince and Richard II. He acted from time to time as constable of Rhuddlan Castle, which adjoined the manor of Prestatyn; in 1397 he was made constable for life of the castle "for good service to the King's father and the King". He married Angharad, the daughter and heiress to Sir Hugh de Crevecoeur. He died in 1407 after successfully defending the castle against the forces of Owain Glyndwr. He had a house in Rhuddlan and may have begun the house known as Bodrhyddan where his descendants still live.

Passing Richard, Sir Henry's son, John his grandson and Jenkin his great grandson, we reach John "Aer Hen" ( John the old heir - as the pedigrees name him). He died in 1486, leaving a large family. By his first wife he had a son Hugh who left home at an early age for England. He served in political and civil capacities under Edward IV, Richard III, Henry VII and Henry VIII, holding among many posts, the treasurership of Ireland and later Calais. ... more

Edwin Conway's grandson: James Madison, 4th President of the United States


Sir Henry de Conewey successfully defended Rhuddlan Castle against the forces of Owain Glyndwr

  • A1. Sir Henry de Conewey, d:1407, m. Angharad de Crevecoeur;
    • B1. Richard Conway;
      • C1. John Conway;
        • D1. Jenkin Conway;
          • E1. John "Aer Hen" Conway, d:1487;
            • F1. Sir Hugh Conway of Bodrhyddan, lvd:1485/1504, m. Elizabeth Courtenay;  ==>  Courtenay family
              • G1. John Conway of Bodrhyddan, m. Janett Stanley;  ==>  Stanley family
                • H1. Edward Conway, m. Anne Burdett;
                  • I1. Sir John Conway, lvd:1547, m. Catherine Verney;
                    <========
      • J1. Sir John Conway of Ragley, Governor of Ostend, d:1604, m. Elene Greville;  ==>  Willoughby family
        • K1. Lord Edward Conway of Ragley, lvd:1564/1632, m. Dorothy Tracy;  ==>  Tracy family
          • L1. Edwin I Conway, b:1610, m. Martha Eltonhead;  ==>  Eltonhead family
            • M1. Edwin II Conway, b:1653, m1. Sarah Walker, m2. Elizabeth Thompson;
              • N1. [m1:] Edwin III Conway, lvd:1681/1763, m. Anne Ball;  ==>  Ball family
              • N2. [m2:] Frances Conway, lvd:1696/1733, m. Rebecca Catlett;
                • O1. Eleanor Rose Conway, b:1731, m. James Madison;
                  • P1. James Madison, U.S. President, b:1759;

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Conway Castle in Gwynedd