[Illustration] The name is local, from Thornes in the parish of
Shenstone, in the county of Stafford, where Robert, son of Roger de
la Thornes, was resident early in the fourteenth century. He was
elected burgess for Shrewsbury in 1357, a position subsequently
filled by several of his descendants. The family also became seated
at Shelvock in this county at an early period. Thomas Thornes of
that place erected a mansion on the old family estate at Thornes in
the reign of Edward IV., which estate was sold by his descendant
Roger Thornes in 1507. Shelvock continued in the family until the
extinction of the eldest branch of it in 1678. The present family
descend from Nicholas Thornes of Melverley, great-uncle of Richard
Thornes who was sheriff of this county in 1610.
See Sanders's History of Shenstone, p. 215; Blakeway, p. 101; and
Morris MSS.
ARMS.--_Sable, a lion rampant guardant argent_.
Present Representative, Thomas William Thornes, Esq.