Richard Jefferies 
Memoir of the Goddards of North Wilts [PDF ebook] 
Compiled From Ancient Records, Registers, and Family Papers

Whilst the greatest effort has been made to ensure the quality of this text, due to the historical nature of this content, in some rare cases there may be minor issues with legibility. He whose descent was undoubted was a Godr – one of the sacred race – able to offer sacrifice in bis double office of priest and king. When the land became too crowded, or the spirit of adventure stirred them, a member of the sacred race stepped on board his nailed bark, and, followed by a small band of warriors, sailed away to Iceland. There he ran his ship ashore, took possession of the soil, and, consecrating a spot to Odin, became the Godord, or priest-king. Not only to Iceland, but to the Hebrides, and the Isle of Man, and at last to England itself, did these Northmen carry their customs, extend their conquests, and leave the firm impress of their footsteps. Even so late as the eleventh century, the king of Norway attempted to invade England, but was repulsed by Harold at Stanford-bridge. Only a century or so later, documentary evidence shows the existence of a family bearing the name of Goderville – variously spelt Godarvyle, and Godardvillc. The ville is the well-known Norman-French affix, and was no doubt adopted at the time of the Conquest, and not originally a part of the name; because, a generation or two later, it was dropped. These Godervilles gradually gravitated down at Chippenham, and from them are descended the North Wiltshire Goddards of this day. The primary word, Goder, in this old family, existing only a century later than the last Northmen’s invasion, clearly shows an origin in the Godr – the sacred race of Odin, and the Godord (now Goddard) – the priest after the order of Melchisedec, who was both priest and king.<br><br>The history of the Isle of Man bears singular testimony to this etymology, by presenting an actual line of princes bearing the name of Goddard.