ACADEMY OF SAINT GABRIEL REPORT 1670 http://www.s-gabriel.org/1670 ************************************ From: "Brian M. Scott" 21 Mar 1999 Greetings from the Academy of S. Gabriel! You asked for help demonstrating that the specific spelling is an authentic mid-16th century English feminine name. Although seems to have been more common, the spelling occurs a number of times in 16th century sources. [1, 2] The bishop of Salisbury from 1482 to 1485 was , brother to Elizabeth Wydeville or Woodville, wife of Edward IV of England. We found her name spelled c.1488 and and in the early 16th century. [3, 4] We found only skimpy evidence for 16th century spellings of English surnames ending in <-vill(e)>; what we did find suggests that <-vile>, <-vyle>, and <-vill> were the usual forms. [5, 6] is very likely a possible 16th century spelling of the name, but we recommend or as being apparently more in keeping with 16th century spelling conventions. I hope that this quick letter covers the ground satisfactorily. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to write us again. For the Academy, Talan Gwynek 21 March 1999 ===== References: [1] Brooke, J.M.S., and A.W.C. Hallen, A. W. C. The Transcript of the Registers of the United Parishes of S. Mary Woolnoth and S. Mary Woolchurch Haw, in the City of London, from their Commencement 1538 to 1760 (London: Bowles & Sons, 1886). [2] Talan Gwynek, "Late Sixteenth Century English Given Names" (WWW: J. Mittleman, 1997). http://www.panix.com/~mittle/names/talan/eng16/ [3] Chesshyre, Hubert & Thomas Woodcock. Dictionary of British Arms: Medieval Ordinary. Vol. I (London: The Society of Antiquaries of London, 1992); pp. 307, 165, 182, 184. [4] Nicolas, Nicholas Harris. Privy Purse Expenses of Elizabeth of York: Wardrobe Accounts of Edward IV. Transcription of 1830 edition. (WWW: Judie C. Gall, for the Richard III Society, American Branch, 29 February 1996). http://www.r3.org/bookcase/wardrobe/ward1.html See in particular 'Memoir of Elizabeth of York' at: http://www.r3.org/bookcase/wardrobe/ward3.html [5] Reaney, P.H., & R.M. Wilson. A Dictionary of English Surnames (London: Routledge, 1991; Oxford University Press, 1995); s.n. Longueville. [6] Bardsley, Charles W. A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1980); s.n. Carvill.