I am trying to locate the origin/location in France of the names WHELPDALE or De WHELPDALE. My understanding is that they were French Jewellers/Clockmakers who fled to England, and there is supposedly a clock still standing by that name in Paris. It may have been during the French Revolution; my background is staunchly protestant, which suggests they may have fled earlier. There were two branches eventually. One branch continued to flourish in London and the other (mine) faltered, ending up in Bethnal Green, a poor part of London, some time during the mid to late 18th century. When an ancestor of mine was transported to Australia at the age of 15 for a trifling crime (chipping a stone statue), there was an angry letter sent to the Times claiming the "convict" had used a false name. I can only assume that the original WHELPDALE/de WHELPDALE who descended into the poorest part of London ,must have done so long before my great-grandmother was born (1840s) as it was her story that has come down. If anyone knows of this/these names, I would appreciate hearing from you. Lynne Hurry