User-submitted Reference

This surname has been incorrectly linked to the geographical parish of Kennerleigh, a parish in Devon, five miles from Crediton. This surname has been researched extensively and the name, along with variations (Kennerly, Kenerley, Kenerly, Kinnerley, Kinnerly) originated in the Cheshire area and date back to the Doomsday book. This is based on DNA research and actual records. All these names can be traced to the name Kynnersley, who according to an old pedigree, were very ancient, being seated long before the Conquest in Hereford, in a castle so called at present. In Doomesday it is recorded, that when the Conqueror was possessed of his new kingdoms of England, he sent his Commlssionar throughout remote parts thereof, to know how every man held his lands. In which time there was an old gentleman that lived and was owner of Kynnardsley Castle, in Hereford by name John de Kynnardsley, and by title a knight (if any knights were before the Conquest). This old gentleman was blind, he had then living with him twelve sons, whom with himself he armed, and stood in his castle (his halberd in his hand, attending the coming of sheriffs from ye king, who being arrived, demanded of him by what tenure he held his castle and land the old knight replied, "by my arms, showing to them his halberd".