St. Leger

The St. Leger ( ) family is an old Anglo-Irish family with Norman and German roots going back over a thousand years, and whose name has appeared more than a few times in history.

The surname St. Leger is recorded in several forms This name can be described as French, but is originally of Germanic origins. The name ultimately derives from the pre 7th century Old German personal name Leodegar composed of the elements liutr (tribe), and gari (spear). St. Leger, a 7th century martyr and bishop of Autun, contributed to the popularity of the name in France, while in Germany the name was connected with a different saint, Ludger, an 8th century bishop of Münster.

The name was introduced into England by the Normans after 1066, and is first recorded in the Cartulary of Battle Abbey (Kent) in the early 12th, and in Pipe Rolls 1192 (Hampshire). The surname was introduced into Ireland in the 12th century following the Norman invasion of Ireland in 1169, where it achieved considerable status. Early examples of the surname recording include Sir Anthony de Saint Leger, Knight of the Order of the Garter who brought Ireland under the Crown. He served as Viceroy of Ireland for five terms. A plaque dedicated to Sir Anthony Saint Leger can be found in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.

William Ledger and Elizabeth May were married at...
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