Carey family

The Karry/Kari/Cary/Carey family in England is one of the oldest, as it has been one of the most illustrious and honored. Through many generations there has been lines, of barons, viscounts and earls from the time of Richard II and Elizabeth. Many others filled important posts of honor or authority, such as Treasurer of Ireland, Governor of the Isle of Wight, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Governor of Nova Scotia, Governor of Bombay, Lord Chamberlain of the Queen's Household, Gentleman of the Privy Council to the King, Ambassadors to foreign Sovereigns, etc.

The Karry family was living in England before the Normans came in 1066. John Prince the biographer, who wrote "The Worthies of Devon", says: "I will not set bounds to this noble name, or from whence it came. If any shall derive it from the son of the Roman Emperor Carus who was general here in Britain around 285 AD, I shall have nothing to oppose."

The first ever recorded Karry.of Castle Kari is mentioned in the Doomsday Book but the owner is not, and Adam is the first Kari ever mentioned by first name. Castle Cary is situated in Somerset, twelve miles south east of Wells. There was a former stronghold known to have been fortified in the time of Saxons. About the year 1125, the Lord William Percival named 'Lovel the Wolf" erected strong fortifications at Kari from which the name is taken.

Sometime in the late 12th century, following two sieges during the wars between King Stephen and the Empress Matilda, the castle was dismantled. Although nearby earthworks can still be seen on the side of Lodge Hill, no trace of the original castle remains. ... more

  • A1. Adam de Karry of Castle Karry, lvd:1198, m. Ann Trevet;
    • B1. John de Karry, m. Elizabeth Stapleton;
      • C1. William de Karry of West Polworth, d:1230/1303, m. Alive Beaumomt;
        • D1. Sir John de Karry, b:1270, m. Phillippa Archdeacon;
          • E1. William Cary, lvd:1303, m. Margaret Bozon;
            • F1. John Cary, m. Jane de Bryen;
              • G1. Sir John Cary, lvd:1350/1404, m. Margaret Holeway;
                <=========
    • H1. Sir Robert Cary of Cockington and Clovelly, b:1375, m. Margaret Courtenay;  ==>  Courtenay family
      • I1. Sir Philip Cary of Cockington, lvd:1400/1437, m. Christian Orchard;
        • J1. Sir William Cary of Cockington, lvd:1437/1471, m1. Elizabeth Paulet, m2. Alice Fulford;
          • K1. [m1]: Sir Robert Cary, lvd:1458/1540, m. Margaret Fulkreham;
            • L1. Robert Cary of Clovelly, lvd:1510/1586, m. Margaret Milliton;
          • K2. [m2]: Thomas Cary of Chilton Foliot, lvd:1460/1536, m. Margaret Spencer;
            • L1. William Carey, d:1528, m. Mary Boleyn;  ==>  Boleyn family
              • M1. Catherine Carey, lvd:1495/1568, m. Francis Knollys;  <==  Knollys family

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