Protestant Exiles from France/Book First - Chapter 15 - Delafaye
Delafaye.
The first refugee of this surname was a French pasteur at the epoch of the St. Bartholomew Massacre. Like others of his countrymen, he presented petitions for relief, or employment, addressed to English Christians in the Latin language. The charitable Mr. Robert Nowell has this entry in his account-book, or spending-of-the money;”—
To maister Dallyfayus, a larned frenche preacher, the xvjth of februarye Ao 1573. .......XXs.
Perhaps he returned to France; for Monsieur De la Faye, pasteur of the Church of Paris, sat as Moderator of the National Synod of the French Church assembled at Figeac, on 2d August 1579.
The name occurs among the later refugees. Louis De la Faye and Charles, his son, were naturalized at Westminster on 21st January 1685. Charles Delafaye, Esq., was secretary to the Chief Governors of Ireland in 1715 and 1716. He was after- wards in the public service in England. When the King paid visits to Hanover, he left a board of regents in charge, called "Lords Justices;" Mr. Delafaye was their secretary in 1719 and 1723. On 5th April 1724 he was appointed an Under-Secretary of State, under the Duke of Newcastle; according to Beatson’s Political Index, he was an Under-Secretary of State from 1717 to the death of George I.