De Vernon Coat of Arms

The de Vernon family originated from Vernon in France. Richard de Vernon, Siegneur de Reviers, Vernon and Nehou fought at the Battle of Hastings, for which he was rewarded with lands in Cheshire.

These lands were originally owned by the Anglo-Saxon Lord Osmer but fell into the hands of the Normans in 1070. Richard settled at Shipbrook, near Davenham, and built a fortified castle overlooking the River Dane. The exact site of the castle is unknown and no longer exists.

He became Baron of Shipbrooke, one of the eight Barons under the Norman administration of Cheshire.

He married Adzelia, daughter of William Peverel, who was rumoured to be an illegitimate son of William the Conqueror.

Richard became closely involved with the Norman royals. He was a faithful advisor to the Conqueror's son Henry, who went on to become King Henry I. Loyalty for which he was further rewarded, receiving more land in France and England. On his death in 1107, he had become one of the more powerful and richest Barons in England. His third son, Hugh de Vernon, became the 2nd Baron of Shipbrook.

Throughout the following 200 years the Vernon family married well, acquiring more titles, land and estates. The Barony itself expired in 1403, when a similarly named Richard Vernon was executed for treason, following his capture at the Battle of Shrewsbury. But the Vernon name lives on. It can be linked to many buildings and place names in the area.

In 1777 a distant descendant, Francis Vernon, was created the 1st Earl of Shipbrook, but this title also expired on his death in 1783.