Descended from Richard de Cotes, who was probably son of Thomas de Cotes, living in 1157, when the Black Book of the Exchequer was compiled. About the reign of Henry VI. the family removed to Woodcote, in Shropshire, which has since continued the principal seat, though the more ancient manor of Cotes or "Kothes," on the banks of the Sow, has ever remained the property of this ancient house.
See Blakeway's Sheriffs of Shropshire, p. 103; and Erdeswick, p. 122.
Arms.—Quarterly ermine and paly of six or and gules. According to the Visitation of Shropshire in 1623, the ermine was borne in the third and fourth quarter. Erdeswick observes, "It would seem that the Cotes's should derive themselves from the Knightleys, or else they do the Knightleys wrong by usurping their armoury." It may be remarked that Robert, third in descent from the first Robert de Cotes, married a daughter of Richard de Knightley, and from hence perhaps the arms.
Present Representative, John Cotes, Esq.
Congreve of Congreve.
The name, like those of most ancient families, is local, derived from Congreve, in this county, where the ancestors of this house were seated soon after the Conquest.
In the reign of Edward II. William Congreve removed to the adjoining village of Stretton, having married the heiress of Campion of that place. Stretton was sold towards the end of the eighteenth century, but Congreve still continues the inheritance of its ancient lords.
Younger Branch. Congreve of Walton, Baronet 1812.