For the past 4 years I have been researching the Houseman name in the Menwith, Darley, Dacre, Felliscliffe, Birstwith, and Hampsthwaite areas of Nidderdale in Yorkshire.
Although originally just trying to find all about my own line I have found it hard to resist adding information that I came across on any of the other Houseman lines as I made contact with other people doing the same research. I would like to thank every one who has contributed to the research, in particular Colin Houseman.
With this in mind I have decided to publish all the research so far, on this web site dedicated to the Houseman name.
Do not forget to view the Photograph Album and Documents and please feel free to sign the Guest Book.
( If any one has any photographs, certificates or documents relating to the Housemans that they would like to share would they be kind enough to let me have a copy )
If you have any other information concerning any of the individuals contained in this web site or if any of the information is incorrect please let me know so that it can be rectified.
Please enjoy viewing the information as much as we have enjoyed researching and collating it.
Yours Sincerely
C Gary Houseman
Although originally just trying to find all about my own line I have found it hard to resist adding information that I came across on any of the other Houseman lines as I made contact with other people doing the same research. I would like to thank every one who has contributed to the research, in particular Colin Houseman.
With this in mind I have decided to publish all the research so far, on this web site dedicated to the Houseman name.
Do not forget to view the Photograph Album and Documents and please feel free to sign the Guest Book.
( If any one has any photographs, certificates or documents relating to the Housemans that they would like to share would they be kind enough to let me have a copy )
If you have any other information concerning any of the individuals contained in this web site or if any of the information is incorrect please let me know so that it can be rectified.
Please enjoy viewing the information as much as we have enjoyed researching and collating it.
Yours Sincerely
C Gary Houseman
Site last updated : 18 November 2008 : 12:45
© 2008 C G Houseman
Origin of the surname
It would appear that the Houseman family came to Nidderdale in the early 1700's, but where from ? And through various marriages and
their own efforts became leading and influential members of the community. There are still Houseman's in the dale today. I have managed
to establish a direct link to George Houseman, born about 1728 in Holme, Yorkshire.
Houseman is either an occupational name for a servant in one of the great houses or a status name for one owning a property.
It would appear that the Houseman family came to Nidderdale in the early 1700's, but where from ? And through various marriages and
their own efforts became leading and influential members of the community. There are still Houseman's in the dale today. I have managed
to establish a direct link to George Houseman, born about 1728 in Holme, Yorkshire.
Houseman is either an occupational name for a servant in one of the great houses or a status name for one owning a property.
Historical occurrences
Probably the most famous example of the name is A E Houseman ( the poet). Unfortunately the correct spelling of his name is Housman.
Another example is John Houseman the actor and film producer(1902- 1988) Again not a true example as he was born Jacques Haussmann
in Budapest. One true Houseman is Peter Houseman (1945-1977) who played football for Chelsea. There is a junior league named in his
memory. A more notorious example is Richard Houseman of Knaresborough. He, together with Eugene Aram, was accused of murdering
Daniel Clark in 1744. Houseman turned King's evidence and only Eugene Aram was found guilty and executed.
In 1828, the late Thomas Hood wrote The Dream of Eugene Aram, a poem of thirty-six stanzas. Sir E. B. Lytton (when Mr. Bulwer)
published his romance of Eugene Aram in 1831, and dedicated it to Sir Walter Scott.
Probably the most famous example of the name is A E Houseman ( the poet). Unfortunately the correct spelling of his name is Housman.
Another example is John Houseman the actor and film producer(1902-
Daniel Clark in 1744. Houseman turned King's evidence and only Eugene Aram was found guilty and executed.
In 1828, the late Thomas Hood wrote The Dream of Eugene Aram, a poem of thirty-
Frequency of the name
In 1891 the census lists 615 Houseman's. The majority appear to have been farmers, or connected with agriculture. The ONS list of
surnames shows that in Sept 2002 there were 886 recorded instances of the name. The site suggests that this figure be multiplied by 0.93
to take account of deaths giving a total of 824. However, I can find only 211 examples of the name for individuals in the BT on line
directory in 2008.
In 1891 the census lists 615 Houseman's. The majority appear to have been farmers, or connected with agriculture. The ONS list of
surnames shows that in Sept 2002 there were 886 recorded instances of the name. The site suggests that this figure be multiplied by 0.93
to take account of deaths giving a total of 824. However, I can find only 211 examples of the name for individuals in the BT on line
directory in 2008.
Data
The following have been extracted from the GRO Indexes
Births (England and Wales) 1837 - 2005
http://www.one-name.org/cgi-bin/archive/birthfrontpage.cgi?study=Houseman
Marriage (England and Wales) 1837 - 2005
http://www.one-name.org/cgi-bin/archive/marriagefrontpage.cgi?study=Houseman
Deaths (England and Wales) 1837 - 2005
http://www.one-name.org/cgi-bin/archive/deathfrontpage.cgi?study=Houseman
It is my intention to make these available on line in the near future
The following have been extracted from the GRO Indexes
Births (England and Wales) 1837 -
http://www.one-
Marriage (England and Wales) 1837 -
http://www.one-
Deaths (England and Wales) 1837 -
http://www.one-
It is my intention to make these available on line in the near future
Links
You may find these sites of interest:
http://houseman.tribalpages.com
http://www.one-name.org/profiles/houseman.html
You may find these sites of interest:
http://houseman.tribalpages.com
http://www.one-
The information above is supplied courtesy of Colin Houseman
e-mail: gary@houseman.info