The lovely, secluded village of Sollers Hope was the home of Dick Whittington and his family who lived here between 1300 and 1546, but should be better known for the family De Solers who gave their name to the village.
The name Sollers changed over the centuries from De Soler, to variously Sollers, Sollars, Sellars and Sellers, but it means Gifted.
Sir Henry De Solers was appointed Governor of Hereford Castle by Edward I
Sir Richard De Solers entered London as part of the entourage of William the Conqueror.
Ansfreid De Cormeilles held Hope in 1086, and from him it passed to Sir John de Solers Dnus (meaning Lord) de Solers Hope who was married to Joan Cecil. This pair had a daughter, Maud, who was the grandmother of Dick Whittington. (This information was kindly submitted by a descendant – Mary Sollars Duke – who pointed out errors in my previous writing)
The Whittingtons were a poor family but gained wealth and status through this marriage, and a subsequent Whittington was allowed by Edward II to declare himself the heir of Sir John de Solers; it is thought that Edward was in dire need of supporters as he had killed the barons that opposed him and imprisoned their wives and children.
The Arms of Sir John dnus de Solers Hope were as follows:
A silver chevron with blue between three lions heads erased red.
Dick Whittington’s father was outlawed by the King because he had married without license, and being unable to pay the fine was forced to go into hiding.