Reunion Notes

In the 13^th Century, the Dukes of Cheshire gave some land to some people to farm living in the area of the village of Audley in Staffordshire, close to Newcastle under Lyme and Stoke on Trent. The names of these people were Yeardley or later Eardley. The surname Eardley is one of the unique names in England because it only originates from Audley in Staffordshire.

This means, if course, that anyone with the Eardley surname can trace their ancestors back to people living in the North Staffordshire area. It also gives a unique opportunity for those who desire it to visit the area and discover their roots and gain more knowledge of local history back to that time.

Dr. Robert Jack Eardley of Lexington, Kentucky U.S.A. has set up a web site at www.eardley.org and has been working on arranging a re-union of the extended Eardley “family” for the past 4 years. Dr. Eardley was born in East Liverpool, Ohio where a pottery industry was started up by emigrants to the U.S.A. The pottery industry survives in East Liverpool to this day.

The comprehensive web site contains detailed information about the Eardley re-union which is planned for:

15^th July 2000 at St James’ Church in Audley, Staffordshire at 12 noon.

At St. James’ Church there will be a special Church Service for all family members. The famous Audley Male Voice Choir will participate in the service, to which some Eardleys are still members and have been founder members in the past.

The Internet and the Eardley web site has been very useful in keeping information up to date for Eardleys who will be travelling from:

            United States of America
            Australia
            New Zealand
            Australia
            Ireland

This is not to count those travelling from all parts of Britain who have expressed in interest.

The event promises to be the largest family reunion of any family, so far, in the Millennium – possibly a unique event in local history. It is predicted that 1500 – 2000 people will come to Audley for the re-union. We expect that a mimimum of 250 Eardleys will come, but cannot predict the exact number, this is based on local hotel reservations and E-mail interest.

There is the intention to raise funds to replace the Altar East window at St. James’ Church with a dedication from all Eardleys, past and present, who have participated in the life of the Church and the local community.

Robert Jack Eardley would be willing to be interviewed together with the some key members of Audley Eardleys if required. Dr Eardley would be willing to travel from the U.S.A. for such a meeting.

For more information please contact:

Margaret Jean Eardley Tel: 01785 851224

David Eardley Tel: 01782 721060

Dr. Robert Jack Eardley Tel: 00 1 606 269 3686

Email: robertjack@eardley.org