William STIFF

                       The origin of the name Neville by Reg Willis, Heraldic Artist.  This is one
    of the most illustrious and ancient families of England.  The name is derived
    from the lands of Neuvile-sur-Tongue in Normandy where the family lived during
    the 11th century.  When in 1066 William of Normandy invaded England Gilbert de
    Neville commanded his fleet, receiving for his services large tracts of land
    in the north of England.  Upon the marriage of Gilbert de Neville's only
    grandchild, Isabel, Robert FitzMaldred it was agreed that all the male
    children should bear the name of Neville.  The history of this powerful family
    records so many of its members who have served their country with distinction
    that it is possible to mention only two.  During the reign of Edward III
    (1327-1377) Ralph de Neville served his king constantly in the wars with France
    and Scotland, being appointed in 1355 Warden of the Northern March on the
    Scottish Border; his descendants were subsequently created Earls of
    Westmoreland.  Perhaps the greatest of the family was Richard Neville, Earl of
    Warwick, known to history as the "'King Maker."  During the War of the Roses
    which disrupted England from 1455 to 1485, the Earl forced Henry VI, the last
    Lancastrian King of England, to recognize as his successor the Duke of York.
    In 1461, after defeating the army of Lancaster the Earl boldly placed the young
    Duke on the throne as Edw