The oldest “documented” pedigree known in England is that of the Arden family. This well “documented” family can clearly show it descent to the Arden family from Warwickshire before the Conquest. The scholar and noted genealogist, J. H. Round enables the Arden family to rank as the only English pedigree with a certainty of going back before the Conquest.

The origin of the De Arden-Arden family predates the Norman Conquest of William the Conqueror when he came to England in 1066. They were of Anglo-Saxon stock that settled in England from Denmark and France.

TURCHILL DE ARDEN, EARL OF WARWICK was born in 1005, at Leo-Marston, Loxon, Warwick, England. TURCHILL DE ARDEN, EARL OF WARWICK married (2) LEVERUNIA, COUNTESS OF MERCIA, born 1005-1010 and heiress of the Earls of Mercia. He was the last Saxon Earl of Warwick.

He fought with William the Conqueror in 1066 at the Battle of Hastings against Harold, King of England who was killed in the battle. Even though he was of Anglo Saxon stock he adopted the Norman habits of local names. He was left ostensibly left in full possession of all his lands, rights and privileges. He held 52 lordships in Warwick Co., England and possessed forty-nine manors, including Curdworth, Coughton, Rotley, Rodbourn, Compton and Nuneaton as well at Warwick Castle. He died in 1088 at Leo-Marston, Loxon, Warwick, England. Reference: Charlotte C. Stopes “Shakespeare’s Family” page 166, also Table VII, page 441.