Lincoln Family Name

The family name Lincoln is unusual. Many enquire if we are American ? Lincoln is an old Norman family name originally from northern France. The Lincolns arrived in Waterford City in about 1350 AD. Waterford was the principle port of Ireland at that time. The Lincolns quickly established themselves as merchants and ship owners. They lived in Henrietta Street, near The Quay. They were buried in the nearby "French Church". The first Lincoln to achieve public office in Waterford was William Lincoln, who became mayor in 1397. Over the following 250 years, no less than 32 Lincolns are recorded as being Mayors and Sheriffs of the city; the last being in 1645.

The arrival of Oliver Cromwell and his puritanical followers spelt disaster for staunch catholic and royalist families such as the Lincolns. In July 25th 1650, Waterford surrendered to Cromwell. The wealthy merchants such as the Lincolns negotiated a settlement. This involved departing with their possessions and ships to Nantes in France. From there they emigrated, over the following years, to Spain, South Africa, Reunion Island and Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. We in Ireland, continue to have occasional contacts with them.

Some Lincolns remained behind, living undercover. They eventually surfaced in west county Waterford. These were the poorer sections of the family. We have continued to live here since the 14th century. There are many stories, and some artefacts remaining. One is the main fireplace from Henrietta St. This was a fireplace mantel commemorating the marriage of William Lincoln and Mary Lee in 1627. We rescued it some years ago, following the demolition of Lincoln home in Waterford city. For some years it was in Ardmore. It is now on permanent loan, to the new Waterford Treasures Museum in Waterford city. What about the American connection? Followers of Abraham Lincoln in the USA trace his lineage back to Lincolnshire in England. There are old family trees tracing us to this connection - but we cannot be certain. However some of our relatives display a remarkable likeness to Abraham Lincoln's gaunt and tall features.

Mary Lincoln (the Ardmore potter), is delighted to inscribe her pots with her Mary Lincoln signature, for those who regard it as being a special name.