Stratford family

The Stratfords are an ancient family of England, either giving their name to, or taking it from, Stratford-on-Avon in the twelfth century and traceable back to the Norman conquest. Their branches include the clergy, the gentry, and the . Since their establishment the Stratfords have spawned numerous religious, cultural and political leaders, multiple bishops, archbishops, viscountcies, baronies and an earldom. Historic family seats have included Farmcote Manor and Stratford Park in Gloucester,Merevale Hall in Warwickshire, Baltinglass Castle, Belan House and Aldborough House in Ireland, and Stratford House in London. They have links with numerous noble families, including the Tracys, Sudeleys, Dugdale baronets, Throgmortons, Overburys, and Wingfields. They were at their most powerful in the fourteenth and eighteenth centuries.

Robert de Stratford, an original burgess of Stratford-on-Avon, is the earliest indisputably traceable member of the paternal Stratford line. His children and nephews rose to positions of power and influence in the political and religious landscape of England in the fourteenth century, and originated all other branches of the family.

The Manor of Merevale in north Warwickshire (including the original Merevale Hall and estate) was purchased in the mid-seventeenth century by Edward Stratford (died 1665). Having established himself, Edward settled the sum of £500 on his younger brother Robert in order to fund his starting a life in Ireland. Robert settled at Baltinglass Castle and went on to sire the Earls of Aldborough, and a close relationship between the Merevale and the Irish branch was maintained until the extinction.

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