The DeHavilland family in the United Kingdom stretches back to the 1400’s and probably most famously from the Channel Islands and Poole in Dorset. The DeHavilland family now stretches across the UK and Internationally.

Several spellings of the name have evolved through history with many branches of the family, however ‘Chronicle of the Ancient and Noble family of DeHavilland’ say the following. (Originally Haverland in Normandy, France and latterly famous within the aircraft industry)

The following incident in the War of the Roses helped raise Poole from a place of small importance to be a wealthy and flourishing port. Towards the end of the reign of Edward IV, Queen Margaret of Anjou, wife of King Henry VI, crossed over to France in order to obtain the aid of King Louis XI to regain the throne from Edward IV. She was unsuccessful but negotiated with a Norman nobleman Peter de Breze the Compte (Count) de Manlevier, and as a reward for his help against the Yorkist’s, the Channel Islands were given to him.

However the Jersey inhabitants did not want to be ruled by the French Military and revolted, so Edward IV sent Sir Richard Harlistan, Vice Admiral of England, with a squadron of ships to Guernsey, to rally the loyalists of both islands and attack and retake Jersey for the English.

As a reward, the King awarded exclusive rights to 16 of the most prominent volunteers who assisted the monarch. He did so by giving them special trading privileges in either Exeter, Dartmouth or Poole, effective from the 14th March 1469.

Thomas de Havilland was one of the 16 and was awarded trading privileges in Poole, and he sent his second son, James, and his Guernsey born wife, Helena, to Poole. James soon became the richest trader in the town, with links to Normandy and Spain. He was Mayor of Poole in 1494, 1498 and 1502. James built the north aisle of old St James Church at his own expense. This was called either Our Lady Aisle or The Havilland Aisle. James’ eldest son Richard, was Mayor 3 times, and another son, William, was Mayor twice. In later years, this link to the Channel Islands was to prove invaluable to Poole. The De Havilland family made a long and influential impact upon Poole. The Arms of the family had the motto God is our strongest tower.

This branch particular of the DeHavilland family is also well known within the aircraft industry and also the church.

The Managing Partner of DeHavilland Investments is a direct (14th) descendant of James de Havilland.