[Illustration] This is a younger branch of the well-known Lancashire
family of this name, who trace their descent from Richard of
Radclyffe Tower, near Bury, in the reign of Edward I. Ordshall, also
in this county, was for many ages the seat of the ancestors of the
present family, who are descended from Robert, sixth and youngest
son of Sir Alexander Radclyffe, of Ordshall, who was born in 1650.
Foxdenton, which as early as the fifteenth century belonged to one
branch of the Radclyffes, was bequeathed to the present family early
in the last century. The extinct house of the Radclyffes, Barons
Fitzwalter and Earls of Sussex 1529, were sprung from William, elder
brother of the first Sir John Radclyffe, of Ordshall. The Radclyffes
of Dilston, Baronets 1619, and Earls of Derwentwater 1687, were
perhaps also of the same origin, but this has not been
ascertained.
See Burke's Landed Gentry, 2nd. ed. vol. ii. p. 1091, and Ellis's
Family of Radclyffe, for the House of Dilston (1850).
ARMS.--_Argent, two bends engrailed sable, a label of three points
gules_. The more simple coat of _Argent, a bend engrailed sable_,
was borne by the Earls of Sussex, and also by the Earls of
Derwentwater.
Present Representative, Robert. Radclyffe, Esq.
+Gentle.+