HANHAM/HANNAM FAMILY
Reference has been made amongst others to Hutchins (whose details have often been brought into question); the Rev. D. C. Hannam in SDNQ XXVIII, 1968; the Heralds' Visitations of Dorset, 1565 and 1625; Burke's Peerage and Baronetage; the research notes of the late Canon C. H. Mayo; email correspondence from Osborne Cresson of Iowa, U.S.A. (a Hannam descendant)., website http://www.a-court.fsnet.co.uk/
References to the Family of Hanham (and its variant spellings) first appear locally in Somerset in the 13th century. Its early days and genealogies were described by D. C. Hannam. It would seem that the Hannams of Purse Caundle were descended from the 16th century branch whose family seat had been in Horsington, Somerset, since the 14th century. Horsington is just some four miles due north of Purse Caundle. Some Hanham family remained in Purse Caundle until the line died out there in the middle of the 17th century.
The two parishes were apparently joined by the marriage of William Hannam [I] gent. to Margaret, second daughter of John Longe gent. of Purse Caundle (see APPENDIX C1B). They had two sons - Richard (the eldest and heir) born c.1484/1488, and William [II]. William [I] died between 20 July and October 1505, when his wife Margaret believed already dead.
On 1st August, 8 Henry VII (1493), and 30th September, 9 Henry VII (1494), a William Hanam of Horsyngton is mentioned in two Indentures for Caundle Marsh, together with his presumed brother-in-law William 'Lang' of Caundell Purs.
Richard, gent., of Horsington, when aged 23, he married Ricarda, daughter of John Tryptrye gent. of Somerset; and they had two sons William [III] (born c.1511, and whose issue eventually became extinct); John [I] - later of Wimborne Minster; and a daughter Margaret who married William Webb. In 1529 Richard became co-heir of one-third of the estate of his niece Elizabeth, the only daughter and heir of his brother William [II], who had died as a child in 1528. In the Pardon Roll of Henry VIII both Richard and his son William [III] were described as gentlemen, with Richard also as a 'franklin'. There was no mention of Purse Caundle, but one third of neighbouring Gotehill (Goathill) also belonged to William Long of Purse Caundell. Richard Hanham died 25th July 1549.
William Hannam [III] gent. (of Horsington and later Purse Caundle) married firstly Elizabeth, second daughter of Richard Dyer gent. and Elizabeth (nee Walton) of Wincanton, Somerset. Elizabeth Hanham died when their children were still young. These children were:
1. Dorothy, who married Thomas Brookesby of Great Bradley, Suffolk, and they had a son Bartholomew.
2. Mary, who married John, son of John and Mary Gifford of Boreham, Warminster, Wiltshire, and they had a son John.
3. James [I], son and heir, of Purse Caundle, who married Mary, daughter and heiress of Richard and Mary Watkins of Holwell, Dorset. He died 1597, being buried at Holwell. (See also below).
4. William [IV], born c.1541. Described in Venn's Alumni Cantabrigienses as: 'Adm. at King's (age 18) a scholar from Eton, Aug. 25, 1559, of Combe, Somerset. Matric. 1559; B.A. 1563-4; M.A. 1567; Fellow 1562[?]-75. Tenant under the College of Toft Monkswood, 1574'.
5. Benjamin [I], whose father's will made provision "towards his preferment and advancement" by being left the Blagdon Park estate for a period of 15 years, after which time he would be aged 19 or 20, together with Lymbres and Caundle Haddon Rectory. He possibly died abroad in the wars in the Low Countries.
6. Sylvester, who was not mentioned in his father's 1576 will (see below), and was thus presumably prematurely dead.
A John Dyer of Wincanton, in his will of 1558 bequeathed to "My brother William Hannam [III]," as his "other overseer . . . a piece of gold." (SDNQ Vol. X, 1907) Sir William Carent knt., of Henstridge, Somerset, in his will of 1568, and proved December 1574, appointed William Hannam, gent. as an overseer. And Sir James Dyer, in his will of 1581 left "to the children of my sister Elizabeth Hannam except her eldest son James [I]" a legacy. He also mentioned "my nephew William Hannam [IV] sometime Fellow of King's College, Cambridge."
William Hannam [III] married secondly Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Attwater of Todbere, Dorset, widow of John Seymer of Hanford, Dorset (by whom she had children John and Alice), and also of John Bayly. According to the Star Chamber Papers, sometime between 1553-1558 William [III] and his wife Elizabeth made a complaint against William Bayly, Rector of Turnworth, Dorset, and others, for an assault on a William Bonfylde in the glebe of Turnworth Rectory, which had been leased to John Bayly, Elizabeth's second husband.
At the 1565 Heralds' Visitation the arms of Hannam of Purse Caundle were: Quarterly 1 and 4 Hannam, 2 and 3 Long, impaling Sable 3 antelopes passant Argent atired Or (for Dyer). For Hannam of Wimborne: Quarterly 1 and 4, Quarterly Or and Gules, on a bend engrailed Sable, 3 crosses palie fitchie of the first; 2 and 3. Sable crossily fitchie and a lion rampant Argent (for Long). Crest: A gryphon's head erased Or.
Before 1568 William [III] covenanted with Richard Watkins to stand seised of his (William's) several Somerset and Dorset properties to the eventual benefit of his son and daughter-in-law, including two-thirds of the mansion house at Purse Caundle. Was this to seal a future arranged marriage between the two families? William [III] acquired the other parts of Gotehill in due course.
In the Dorset Tudor Muster Rolls for the Tithing of 'Purse Cawndle' in the Hundred of Sherborne is the entry:
'1569: Horseman William Hannam Esq.'
William [III] was buried 21st May 1576, inside Purse Caundle church's chapel in accordance with his will made on 26th April. The Milborne Port parish register was to have the following entry:
"Wylliam Hanam esquier a good house keper comfortable to all poore both with Counsell and necessaries, a loving land lord to his tenantes, and a most friendlie gentilman to this Borough and pishe, was buried at Pus Candle the xxjth daye of May, 1576."
His will read:
"I William Hannam of Purscaundell...gent Sicke and of Perfect Remembrance . . ."
To be buried "in my Chappell with in the parrishe Church of Purscaundell foresaide." As concerning dispostion of his lands and inheritance to Elizabeth, hi wife, "All that my parte of the mannor of Gotehill and all otherlands, ten'ts, mills, parsonages, of the Chappell and all other mine inheritance in Gotehill for life, and if shebe disturbed of taking of the profits of the manor by my heir, Then I give to her and her heirs for ever all my lands, tenements and inheritances in Todbere and Marnehull in co. Dorset. She shall also have all my ordinary goods and chattels in Handford, [except for two cows which my servant John Drake shall have, and which I owe him] on condition she leave one half of them to her son John Seymer. All such goods remaining at Caundle, which she brought with her, including bedding, household stuff, apparel, plate, spoons, salts, and all her chamber, and also one salt with a cover, which my father gave me, one little salt which Mr. Rogers gave her, are bequeathed to her. Also my ready money, my lease of Turnworth which I had with her. To John Gifforde my boye, £20, and a term of years in the ground which I bought from Mr. Ludlow in Horsewood in common with John Helior. To my sister Webbe, 40s. To son Gifford £20 which I lent him. To John Seymer and Alice Stephens, £5\each. To all my servants, 5s each. To son Benjamin Hanam, £100. To Robert Seymer, son of John Seymer, 40s. To John Stephens, son of Henry Stephens, 40s. To son William Hanam, the lease of his ground in Marsh in the parish of Wyncanton, and £40 in money. To the inhabitants of Horsington towards the building of their parish house, 20s. To the parish of Purse Caundle for repairs to the church, 20s. To every poor householder in Purse Caundle, 12d. To son James Hanam, my son and heir, the residue of my goods. Executor: my son and heir James Hanam. Overseers: Sir James Oyer, knt, with a bequest to him of 100s., Mr Richard Watkins esq, Hugh Weston gent."
Codicil made 14th May 1576: "To son Benjamin Hanam, an annuity of 6s 8d for life, to be pais out of lands in Todber. To Walter Randall, 40s. To servant John Roper, 20s. To Henry Stake, 20s. To William Pystell, the elder, 10s. To Joan Waters, my wife's sister, 40s. To Eleanor Claver, widow, 40s, which she owes me. To Richard Rogers, gent, 20s. To Thomas Kaylewey, 20s, which he owes me. To John Grigge, my boy, one two year old bullock. To Richard Kinge, my boy, one two year old bullock. To Agnes Hide, the wife of Richard Hide, 20s. To Gregory Toterdell, 10s. To Richard Towgood, Benjamin Hanam's man, 10s." The witnesses were John Dodwell and Thomas Geaste "clericum" (rector of Purse Caundle). The will was proved on 25th June 1576.
William [III]'s wife Elizabeth died late in 1589 at Hanford.
On the death of William [III] 'in the 19th year of Queen Elizabeth [1576/7], the whole manor [of Gotehill] became vested in his brother John [I] Hannam, esq.' It is reasonable to suppose that the shares in the Manor of Purse Caundle changed hands at the same time, but are not mentioned in the Patent Rolls because the Manor was presumably not held direct from the Queen. (See also below for further on John [I])
James Hannam [I] was admitted to the Middle Temple on 20th June 1558, probably aged 18 years; and then on 5th February 1562 he took over another chamber with a Thomas Morgan, and they were still sharing it in 1567, with his name frequently appearing in grants, etc. during the 1580s and 90s. James [I] married Mary Watkins at Purse Caundle on 27th September 1568 (Inquisitions Post Mortem). Mary (born c.1550) was the daughter and heir of Richard Watkins of Holwell, Dorset, and Mary daughter of Robert Coker of Mapowder, Dorset. (The arms of Watkins of Holwell were: Gules, Or a cross flory between four demi-griffins segreant Or five cinquefoils pierced Azure.) James [I] and Mary had a son and heir James [II], born at Holwell 22nd December 1589. There is an obvious question mark over either the date of marriage or of the birth of James [III]. Unfortunately the early parish registers of both Purse Caundle and Holwell are missing. Around March 1586, with the fear of a Spanish invasion of England, the three county deputy-Lieutenants, together with county Justices and their men, rode out to make a survey of the Dorset coast to view the dangerous places where the enemy could land. One of the party was James Hanham [I] of Purse Caundle. Their report was to be sent to the Privy Council. He also started to appear in Purse Caundle Manor Court records from April 1590. This same year, about 21st June, James [I] jointly with his cousin Thomas of Wimborne bought the Watkins estates for £1,638 12. 1d., although Mary Hannam (nee Watkins) was her father's sole heir. The principal property was the Manor of Holwell. From then on the normal home of James [I] was Holwell rather than Purse Caundle, as witness their son James [II] being born there. The parish register of Milborne Port church was to contain the following entry: 'James Han'am, esquire, who for his love in defending this borough against their adversaries, and helping them to keepe their right lands and liberties, deserved to be accompted the patron and father of the Towne, therefore we thinke worthie to be registered ijn this booke, and gave xls. income the most dere and hard yere to the poor people of this p'sh. wqs buried worhipfullie at Holwell the xiijth daye of June 1597.' This burial was to be recorded in the Milborne Port register.
By 26th January 1599 the widowed Mary Hannam had re-married, to Sir Francis Hastings (fifth son of the 2nd Earl of Huntingdon) whose first wife Magdalen had died in 1595/6, without any children. Sir Francis now found himself with a wife bringing both Watkins and Hannam estates, as well as a family of young step-children, including James [II], whose wardship he took over from a Mr. Fardinando of the Privy Chamber who had been doing this on behalf of Queen Elizabeth. Sir Francis subsequently relinquished the wardship c.1604. Sir Francis pre-deceased his wife on 22nd September 1610, (shortly before James [II] became of age), and was buried at North Cadbury, Somerset, near his first wife. According to Coker, the Manor of Holwell 'passed away [from Sir Giles Strangeways] to Humphrey Watkins, grandfather to Mary le Hastings (f. Watkins) late wife of James Hanham now living there.' Holwell church was rebuilt in 1770, with the surviving registers beginning in 1653, with no apparent memorials or register entries for Watkins, James Hanham [I] or Lady Mary Hastings. Lady Mary was to be Presented at the Purse Caundle Manor Court on 31st January 1604 for her ruinous tenement called 'Maies' (situated opposite the manor house) - see CHAPTER 6. James [I] was concerned in the following Indenture:
1609 'This Indenture made the four and twentieth day of October in the years of the reign of our sovereign Lord James . . . the seventh . . . between Sir William Dodington of Breamore in the county of Southampton [Hampshire], knight, of the one party [Lord of the Manor of Purse Caundle], and James Hannam of Holwell in the county of Dorset, esquire, of the other party Witnesseth that the said Sir William Dodington for and in consideration of the sum of twenty four pounds of current money of England, to him by the said James Hannam before the ensealing and delivery hereof well and truly paid, whereof the said Sir William Dodington doth acknowledge himself fully satisfied and paid, and thereof and of every part and parcel thereof, doth clearly acquit and discharge the said James Hannam, his executors, administrators and assigns and every of them for ever by these presents hath demised, granted and to farm letten, and by these presents doth demise, grant and to farm let unto the said James Hannam, his executors and assigns all that tenement or cottage in Purse Caundle . . ., commonly called by the name of Mayes, situate and being on the north side the parsonage house in Purse Caundle aforesaid, together with a backside or garden plot to the same tenement or cottage adjoining, containing by estimation one rood of ground be it more or less, and also one close of meadow called or known by the name of Mayes Meadow, containing by estimation one acre and a half be it more or less, abutting east and north upon the farm ground of Peter Mewe of Caundle aforesaid, and south upon the parsonage ground of Caundle aforesaid, and west upon the lands of the said James Hannam, with all and singular the appurtenances, all which premises are situate, lying and being in Purse Caundle aforesaid . . ., and now or late were in the tenure or occupation of Sir Francis Hastings of Holwell aforesaid . . . knight, his assignee ot assigns To have and to hold [all the above mentioned premises and lands] from the feast day of the purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which shall be in the year of Our Lord God one thousand six hundred and ten, unto the end and term of three score years from thence next and immediately following, fully to be complete and ended; if James Hannam, party to these presents, Benjamin Hannam [I] brother of the said James, and Thomas Husey, son of Thomas Husey of Haselbury Bryan esquire, or any of them, shall so long live Yielding and paying therefore yearly during the said term unto the said Sir William Dodington, his heirs and assigns, the yearly rent of six shillings and eight pence at two [feasts] or terms in the year most usual, the Annunciation of St Mary the Virgin and St Michael the Archangel, by even portions to be paid. And James Hannam, etc., as own cost and charges [great timber only excepted] well and sufficiently repair, maintain and keep all the said demised premises in all needfull and necessary reparations whatsoever. If the rent is six weeks in arrears then Sir William Dodington shall repossess the premises. James Hannam shall have peaceable occupation with no claim from Sir William Dodington, or from one John Parker, late of Purse Caundle, or from one William Burd, by force or virtue of an execution upon a statute of two thousand pounds acknowledged by William Lord Stourton, deceased. And if any part of the tenement or cottage shall be in defect and want of sufficient great timber for the repairing and maintaining thereof, Sir William Dodington, etc. upon reasonable request, shall allow the same to be delivered by his steward or bailiff, to be only used for this purpose.
Signed sealed and delivered James Hannam [II]
In the presence of
Witnesses: John Okeley, Hugh Wayman'
This is all that is known about this branch of the Hannam Family.
John [I], the brother of William [III], was M.P. for Poole, Dorset, in 1547. He married Alice, daughter of - Orange of Wimborne, and settled there when he acquired the Dean's Court estate soon after the Dissolution of the Deanery and College of Wimborne Minster in 1547. They had children: Thomas [I] and Richard. Richard married Bridget, daughter of Sir John Newton of Barrs Court, Gloucestershire. They in turn had children: John [II] who died 29th October 1579, aged 13 years; and Anne who became heir, and was married by 15th June 1582 to (Sir) Walter Vaughan of Falstone, Wiltshire, and had died by 1593, leaving issue. John [I], who started the Wimborne Minster branch of the Hannam family, died 5th September 1559, followed by his wife Alice c.1560.
Thomas [I] of Wimborne was Recorder of Weymouth, Melcombe Regis 1571, M.P. for Melcombe Regis 1572, M.P. for Bristol 1584-1593, Recorder for Bristol 1585, Sergeant-at-law 1589. He married Penelope (who died 1622) daughter of Sir John Popham, Lord Chief Justice of England, and Amie Games. They had children: John [III] in 1574; Thomas [II] in 1576; Henry in 1583, who died unmarried in 1648 aged 65; Amy, who married firstly Thomas Pyne in 1595 and having son John [IV], and secondly to Martin White of Fiddleford, Dorset, who died 1611, whilst she died in 1640; Jane, who married Sir John Horton of Elkstone, Gloucestershire; Mary, who died unmarried; and Anne.
John [III] was M.P. for East Looe, Cornwall, in 1601, and Weymouth 1604-1611; High Sheriff of Dorset 1614, and being knighted 11th May 1603. He married Joan, daughter of Robert Wichalse of Chudleigh, Devon, the widow of Vice-Admiral Charles Trevanion. They had a daughter Eleanor, born c.1609, who married her cousin John Pyne of Curry Mallet, Somerset, and she died in 1662 aged 53, leaving issue. Joan Hannam was buried 3rd August 1615, whilst her husband John [III] died 28th August 1624. Coker was to write in 1623/4: "Nowe at Purscandell is the chiefe Seate of the Hanumes, unto whom it came by an Heire of John Longe, descended from a great Familie of that name in Wiltshire.' The arms of Hannam were given by Coker as: Quarterly or and gules on a bend engrailed sable 3 crosses pale fitche or - see illustration. Another describes the arms as: Quarterly or and gules on a bend engrailed sable 3 crosses patee fitche of the first.
Thomas Hannam [II], in 1606 as a sea-captain was to be co-commander of a voyage of exploration off the coast of Maine, New England (see also 1660 at end below); and M.P. for Minehead, Somerset 1642-44. In 1610 he married Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Broughton. They had children: John [IV] in 1586 - see below; Thomas [III] in 1617, a Barrister-at-Law in 1645, and married on 28th April 1646 to Margaret, eldest daughter of Sir William Dodington of Breamore, Hampshire, whose family were now Lords of the Manor of Purse Caundle (see APPENDIX B1). But Thomas [III] died in 1650, aged 33, without leaving any issue; Jane in 1618, who married William Constantine in 1637, and she died 1654 aged 36; and Penelope. Thomas Hannam [II] was to die 17th June 1650.
It was in 1640 that a younger James Hanham [II?] apparently sold Purse Caundle manor house to his cousin Thomas Hanham [II?] of Dean's Court, Wimborne.
In the Calendar of the Committee for Compounding, 1643-1660, there are several references to who is presumed to be Thomas Hannam [II].
In 1645, Thomas [II] Hannam's estate in Purse Caundle, valued in 1641 at £120 per annum, was sequestered. He is thought to have then wandered away to a cottage in Horsington. Not long after, this branch of the family became extinct.
'Thomas Hanham [II], late M.P., Caundle, Dorset, 1645, Nov. 1. Begs to compound by his younger son as proxy for going to Oxford, being induced on pretence of makg a happy peace; continued there but 10 days. Has voluntarily contributed for Parliament on the first proposition £80 and submitted to the Committee of Dorset before Michaelmas 1644. Has paid his own and his son's 5th and 20th part, £112, and has suffered much from plundering and free quarters for the last 2 years. Is aged 70. Is ordered to take the Covenant and Oath before the County Committee.
December? Fined at 1/3 £968; at 1/10 £386.
1646, June 25. Note that the former fine was confirmed by the [Honder?].
July 23. County Committee to forbear proceeding against him.'
Calendar for the Committee for Advance of Money, 1642-56:
Thos. Hanham, Wimborne, and Candel, co. Dorset.
1647, March 6. Assessed of £250.
1649, March 6. Petitions that he has lent several sums to Parliament, viz. £70 on the first proposition; £120 to the County Commissioners on the extreme necessity of Weymouth garrison; and has paid £112 of Sherborn for his and his son's 1/3 and 1/10, yet, on misinformation a ticket has been left him to appear and pay. Being too old and infirm to travel, has sent up his son, and begs discharge from the assessment.
1649, March 6. Ordered to bring up the particulars of his estate on which he compounded. To be examined and reported on.
March 22. Order for his discharge on payment of £100, with a note that it is paid.
April 5. Being assessed of £180, he begs deduction for Candel Farm, the 1/20 of which is £24, because since his composition of Goldsmith's Hall, he has sold it [to John Hoskins?, q.v.], and all the money went to pay former engagements. Noted the former order to stand.
Dec. 18. Information that for securing the repayment of £2,500 borrowed of him of H.Hanham, he mortgaged divers lands.' There are further Calendar references to other Hanhams of Wimborne Minster and Holwell.
1648, 30th May. Thomas Hanham of Purse Caundle was granted a Royal Pardon. (DHC ref: D/HNM G1/1) 14th November 1648, Thomas Hanham [II], Esq. of Purse Caundle proved the will of his brother Henry Hanham, gent. of Wimborne. The Arms of the Hannams of Wimborne and London were: Quarterly or and gules, on a bend sable three crosses formee fitchee of the first. Crest: A gryphon's head erased or.
Thomas Hanham [II] died 1st August 1652, aged 75. His will was dated 23rd July 1650, being proved on 24th November 1652 by John Hanham [IV?], as a Peculiar Will of Wimborne Minster.
John [IV] of Wimborne Minster, like Thomas Hannam [III], was in 1640 to marry a Dodington - Frances, sister of John Dodington of Breamore, Hampshire.They had children: John [V] who was baptised 10th November 1646, and died unmarried in 1670 aged 24; Frances, of Dean's Court, Wimborne, who was baptised 25th November c.1647, and on 9th July 1672 married Thomas (born c.1640), son of Colonel John Penruddock and Arundell Freke, in St. Peter-le-Poor church, Holborn, London, and they had a son Thomas [IV] in 1678; Edward who was baptised 23rd November 1648; Richard who was baptised 27th December 1649; William, the heir, created first baronet Hanham in 1667; James, who died and was interred 1st June 1658; Thomas [IV], who died and was interred 27th December 1656; Mary, who married in 1661 Robert Grove of Ferne, Wiltshire, and she died c.1688; Margaret, who died and was interred 29th October 1654.
The Genealogists' Magazine, Vol. 15, No. 3, September 1965, contained an article by J. P. Ferris: 'The Gentry of Dorset on the Eve of the Civil War'. The following are extracts:
'Many . . . families had at various times established younger sons on estates of their own, and sometimes these cadet branches came to overshadow the senior line. [In the history of] the Hannams . . . the elder branch, handicapped by recusancy, gradually disposed of its estates to its Anglican cousins and disappears during the Interregnum (1649-1660), and the successful cadet branch signalizes its arrival by a change in the spelling of its name. [Thomas Hannam given as being in possession of Purse Caundle manor house estate - TNA SP23/175/181].'
James Hannam [II] of the Roman Catholic branch of the family sold Radipole and Putton, both near Weymouth, to the head of the Protestant rather than let them go to his brother Benjamin [III?], who after renouncing his faith, was reduced to receiving relief from the parish - TNA SP23/152/655. Gambling was certainly prevalent; it may have been the downfall of a younger brother like poor Benjamin Hanham.
Purse Caundle soon after seems to have ceased being the main Hannam family home in favour of the manor of Holwell. This had been in the right of Mary (nee Watkins) which was to be purchased in 1590. James [I] Hannam's son and heir James [II] was born at Holwell on 22nd December 1589; and who when aged only 8 1/2 years was nominated as a tenant by Sir Francis and Lady Mary Hastings to chambers built soon after 1583 to which James [I] had 'a grant for life'. James Hannam [II] surrendered this tenancy on 25th May 1611. The Hannams' farm at Purse Caundle was purchased by John Hoskins esq. of Broadwindsor - a soldier in Cromwell's army.
Holwell, the home of the recusant James Hannam [II], was alleged to be a Popish arsenal; though when the Sheriff of Somerset, at the instance of the Long Parliament, did make his way there, he found nothing but a collection of old trophies.
After the 1660 Restoration, one or more of the Hannams were found in Somerset as Quakers. How this change of religion came about is not known. Apparently a William Hannam, born c.1600/1613 in England, emigrated in 1630 (probably on the Mary and John), and settled in Dorchester, Massachusetts, later starting a family. A George Hannum and wife arrived in Wethersfield, Massachusetts c.1636. Then in 1686 a John Hannum (with his wife Marjory) is found buying a farm outside Philadelphia, Chester County, Pennsylvania, which state was founded by the Quaker William Penn who received his charter in 1682.
The only surviving Hannam MIs in Horsington churchyard are on this single stone in the area north of the church. The first side is of William Hannam who died 1878, aged 54, and the other is of his wife Susan who died 1897 aged 79:
References to the Family of Hanham (and its variant spellings) first appear locally in Somerset in the 13th century. Its early days and genealogies were described by D. C. Hannam. It would seem that the Hannams of Purse Caundle were descended from the 16th century branch whose family seat had been in Horsington, Somerset, since the 14th century. Horsington is just some four miles due north of Purse Caundle. Some Hanham family remained in Purse Caundle until the line died out there in the middle of the 17th century.
The two parishes were apparently joined by the marriage of William Hannam [I] gent. to Margaret, second daughter of John Longe gent. of Purse Caundle (see APPENDIX C1B). They had two sons - Richard (the eldest and heir) born c.1484/1488, and William [II]. William [I] died between 20 July and October 1505, when his wife Margaret believed already dead.
On 1st August, 8 Henry VII (1493), and 30th September, 9 Henry VII (1494), a William Hanam of Horsyngton is mentioned in two Indentures for Caundle Marsh, together with his presumed brother-in-law William 'Lang' of Caundell Purs.
Richard, gent., of Horsington, when aged 23, he married Ricarda, daughter of John Tryptrye gent. of Somerset; and they had two sons William [III] (born c.1511, and whose issue eventually became extinct); John [I] - later of Wimborne Minster; and a daughter Margaret who married William Webb. In 1529 Richard became co-heir of one-third of the estate of his niece Elizabeth, the only daughter and heir of his brother William [II], who had died as a child in 1528. In the Pardon Roll of Henry VIII both Richard and his son William [III] were described as gentlemen, with Richard also as a 'franklin'. There was no mention of Purse Caundle, but one third of neighbouring Gotehill (Goathill) also belonged to William Long of Purse Caundell. Richard Hanham died 25th July 1549.
William Hannam [III] gent. (of Horsington and later Purse Caundle) married firstly Elizabeth, second daughter of Richard Dyer gent. and Elizabeth (nee Walton) of Wincanton, Somerset. Elizabeth Hanham died when their children were still young. These children were:
1. Dorothy, who married Thomas Brookesby of Great Bradley, Suffolk, and they had a son Bartholomew.
2. Mary, who married John, son of John and Mary Gifford of Boreham, Warminster, Wiltshire, and they had a son John.
3. James [I], son and heir, of Purse Caundle, who married Mary, daughter and heiress of Richard and Mary Watkins of Holwell, Dorset. He died 1597, being buried at Holwell. (See also below).
4. William [IV], born c.1541. Described in Venn's Alumni Cantabrigienses as: 'Adm. at King's (age 18) a scholar from Eton, Aug. 25, 1559, of Combe, Somerset. Matric. 1559; B.A. 1563-4; M.A. 1567; Fellow 1562[?]-75. Tenant under the College of Toft Monkswood, 1574'.
5. Benjamin [I], whose father's will made provision "towards his preferment and advancement" by being left the Blagdon Park estate for a period of 15 years, after which time he would be aged 19 or 20, together with Lymbres and Caundle Haddon Rectory. He possibly died abroad in the wars in the Low Countries.
6. Sylvester, who was not mentioned in his father's 1576 will (see below), and was thus presumably prematurely dead.
A John Dyer of Wincanton, in his will of 1558 bequeathed to "My brother William Hannam [III]," as his "other overseer . . . a piece of gold." (SDNQ Vol. X, 1907) Sir William Carent knt., of Henstridge, Somerset, in his will of 1568, and proved December 1574, appointed William Hannam, gent. as an overseer. And Sir James Dyer, in his will of 1581 left "to the children of my sister Elizabeth Hannam except her eldest son James [I]" a legacy. He also mentioned "my nephew William Hannam [IV] sometime Fellow of King's College, Cambridge."
William Hannam [III] married secondly Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Attwater of Todbere, Dorset, widow of John Seymer of Hanford, Dorset (by whom she had children John and Alice), and also of John Bayly. According to the Star Chamber Papers, sometime between 1553-1558 William [III] and his wife Elizabeth made a complaint against William Bayly, Rector of Turnworth, Dorset, and others, for an assault on a William Bonfylde in the glebe of Turnworth Rectory, which had been leased to John Bayly, Elizabeth's second husband.
At the 1565 Heralds' Visitation the arms of Hannam of Purse Caundle were: Quarterly 1 and 4 Hannam, 2 and 3 Long, impaling Sable 3 antelopes passant Argent atired Or (for Dyer). For Hannam of Wimborne: Quarterly 1 and 4, Quarterly Or and Gules, on a bend engrailed Sable, 3 crosses palie fitchie of the first; 2 and 3. Sable crossily fitchie and a lion rampant Argent (for Long). Crest: A gryphon's head erased Or.
Before 1568 William [III] covenanted with Richard Watkins to stand seised of his (William's) several Somerset and Dorset properties to the eventual benefit of his son and daughter-in-law, including two-thirds of the mansion house at Purse Caundle. Was this to seal a future arranged marriage between the two families? William [III] acquired the other parts of Gotehill in due course.
In the Dorset Tudor Muster Rolls for the Tithing of 'Purse Cawndle' in the Hundred of Sherborne is the entry:
'1569: Horseman William Hannam Esq.'
William [III] was buried 21st May 1576, inside Purse Caundle church's chapel in accordance with his will made on 26th April. The Milborne Port parish register was to have the following entry:
"Wylliam Hanam esquier a good house keper comfortable to all poore both with Counsell and necessaries, a loving land lord to his tenantes, and a most friendlie gentilman to this Borough and pishe, was buried at Pus Candle the xxjth daye of May, 1576."
His will read:
"I William Hannam of Purscaundell...gent Sicke and of Perfect Remembrance . . ."
To be buried "in my Chappell with in the parrishe Church of Purscaundell foresaide." As concerning dispostion of his lands and inheritance to Elizabeth, hi wife, "All that my parte of the mannor of Gotehill and all otherlands, ten'ts, mills, parsonages, of the Chappell and all other mine inheritance in Gotehill for life, and if shebe disturbed of taking of the profits of the manor by my heir, Then I give to her and her heirs for ever all my lands, tenements and inheritances in Todbere and Marnehull in co. Dorset. She shall also have all my ordinary goods and chattels in Handford, [except for two cows which my servant John Drake shall have, and which I owe him] on condition she leave one half of them to her son John Seymer. All such goods remaining at Caundle, which she brought with her, including bedding, household stuff, apparel, plate, spoons, salts, and all her chamber, and also one salt with a cover, which my father gave me, one little salt which Mr. Rogers gave her, are bequeathed to her. Also my ready money, my lease of Turnworth which I had with her. To John Gifforde my boye, £20, and a term of years in the ground which I bought from Mr. Ludlow in Horsewood in common with John Helior. To my sister Webbe, 40s. To son Gifford £20 which I lent him. To John Seymer and Alice Stephens, £5\each. To all my servants, 5s each. To son Benjamin Hanam, £100. To Robert Seymer, son of John Seymer, 40s. To John Stephens, son of Henry Stephens, 40s. To son William Hanam, the lease of his ground in Marsh in the parish of Wyncanton, and £40 in money. To the inhabitants of Horsington towards the building of their parish house, 20s. To the parish of Purse Caundle for repairs to the church, 20s. To every poor householder in Purse Caundle, 12d. To son James Hanam, my son and heir, the residue of my goods. Executor: my son and heir James Hanam. Overseers: Sir James Oyer, knt, with a bequest to him of 100s., Mr Richard Watkins esq, Hugh Weston gent."
Codicil made 14th May 1576: "To son Benjamin Hanam, an annuity of 6s 8d for life, to be pais out of lands in Todber. To Walter Randall, 40s. To servant John Roper, 20s. To Henry Stake, 20s. To William Pystell, the elder, 10s. To Joan Waters, my wife's sister, 40s. To Eleanor Claver, widow, 40s, which she owes me. To Richard Rogers, gent, 20s. To Thomas Kaylewey, 20s, which he owes me. To John Grigge, my boy, one two year old bullock. To Richard Kinge, my boy, one two year old bullock. To Agnes Hide, the wife of Richard Hide, 20s. To Gregory Toterdell, 10s. To Richard Towgood, Benjamin Hanam's man, 10s." The witnesses were John Dodwell and Thomas Geaste "clericum" (rector of Purse Caundle). The will was proved on 25th June 1576.
William [III]'s wife Elizabeth died late in 1589 at Hanford.
On the death of William [III] 'in the 19th year of Queen Elizabeth [1576/7], the whole manor [of Gotehill] became vested in his brother John [I] Hannam, esq.' It is reasonable to suppose that the shares in the Manor of Purse Caundle changed hands at the same time, but are not mentioned in the Patent Rolls because the Manor was presumably not held direct from the Queen. (See also below for further on John [I])
James Hannam [I] was admitted to the Middle Temple on 20th June 1558, probably aged 18 years; and then on 5th February 1562 he took over another chamber with a Thomas Morgan, and they were still sharing it in 1567, with his name frequently appearing in grants, etc. during the 1580s and 90s. James [I] married Mary Watkins at Purse Caundle on 27th September 1568 (Inquisitions Post Mortem). Mary (born c.1550) was the daughter and heir of Richard Watkins of Holwell, Dorset, and Mary daughter of Robert Coker of Mapowder, Dorset. (The arms of Watkins of Holwell were: Gules, Or a cross flory between four demi-griffins segreant Or five cinquefoils pierced Azure.) James [I] and Mary had a son and heir James [II], born at Holwell 22nd December 1589. There is an obvious question mark over either the date of marriage or of the birth of James [III]. Unfortunately the early parish registers of both Purse Caundle and Holwell are missing. Around March 1586, with the fear of a Spanish invasion of England, the three county deputy-Lieutenants, together with county Justices and their men, rode out to make a survey of the Dorset coast to view the dangerous places where the enemy could land. One of the party was James Hanham [I] of Purse Caundle. Their report was to be sent to the Privy Council. He also started to appear in Purse Caundle Manor Court records from April 1590. This same year, about 21st June, James [I] jointly with his cousin Thomas of Wimborne bought the Watkins estates for £1,638 12. 1d., although Mary Hannam (nee Watkins) was her father's sole heir. The principal property was the Manor of Holwell. From then on the normal home of James [I] was Holwell rather than Purse Caundle, as witness their son James [II] being born there. The parish register of Milborne Port church was to contain the following entry: 'James Han'am, esquire, who for his love in defending this borough against their adversaries, and helping them to keepe their right lands and liberties, deserved to be accompted the patron and father of the Towne, therefore we thinke worthie to be registered ijn this booke, and gave xls. income the most dere and hard yere to the poor people of this p'sh. wqs buried worhipfullie at Holwell the xiijth daye of June 1597.' This burial was to be recorded in the Milborne Port register.
By 26th January 1599 the widowed Mary Hannam had re-married, to Sir Francis Hastings (fifth son of the 2nd Earl of Huntingdon) whose first wife Magdalen had died in 1595/6, without any children. Sir Francis now found himself with a wife bringing both Watkins and Hannam estates, as well as a family of young step-children, including James [II], whose wardship he took over from a Mr. Fardinando of the Privy Chamber who had been doing this on behalf of Queen Elizabeth. Sir Francis subsequently relinquished the wardship c.1604. Sir Francis pre-deceased his wife on 22nd September 1610, (shortly before James [II] became of age), and was buried at North Cadbury, Somerset, near his first wife. According to Coker, the Manor of Holwell 'passed away [from Sir Giles Strangeways] to Humphrey Watkins, grandfather to Mary le Hastings (f. Watkins) late wife of James Hanham now living there.' Holwell church was rebuilt in 1770, with the surviving registers beginning in 1653, with no apparent memorials or register entries for Watkins, James Hanham [I] or Lady Mary Hastings. Lady Mary was to be Presented at the Purse Caundle Manor Court on 31st January 1604 for her ruinous tenement called 'Maies' (situated opposite the manor house) - see CHAPTER 6. James [I] was concerned in the following Indenture:
1609 'This Indenture made the four and twentieth day of October in the years of the reign of our sovereign Lord James . . . the seventh . . . between Sir William Dodington of Breamore in the county of Southampton [Hampshire], knight, of the one party [Lord of the Manor of Purse Caundle], and James Hannam of Holwell in the county of Dorset, esquire, of the other party Witnesseth that the said Sir William Dodington for and in consideration of the sum of twenty four pounds of current money of England, to him by the said James Hannam before the ensealing and delivery hereof well and truly paid, whereof the said Sir William Dodington doth acknowledge himself fully satisfied and paid, and thereof and of every part and parcel thereof, doth clearly acquit and discharge the said James Hannam, his executors, administrators and assigns and every of them for ever by these presents hath demised, granted and to farm letten, and by these presents doth demise, grant and to farm let unto the said James Hannam, his executors and assigns all that tenement or cottage in Purse Caundle . . ., commonly called by the name of Mayes, situate and being on the north side the parsonage house in Purse Caundle aforesaid, together with a backside or garden plot to the same tenement or cottage adjoining, containing by estimation one rood of ground be it more or less, and also one close of meadow called or known by the name of Mayes Meadow, containing by estimation one acre and a half be it more or less, abutting east and north upon the farm ground of Peter Mewe of Caundle aforesaid, and south upon the parsonage ground of Caundle aforesaid, and west upon the lands of the said James Hannam, with all and singular the appurtenances, all which premises are situate, lying and being in Purse Caundle aforesaid . . ., and now or late were in the tenure or occupation of Sir Francis Hastings of Holwell aforesaid . . . knight, his assignee ot assigns To have and to hold [all the above mentioned premises and lands] from the feast day of the purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which shall be in the year of Our Lord God one thousand six hundred and ten, unto the end and term of three score years from thence next and immediately following, fully to be complete and ended; if James Hannam, party to these presents, Benjamin Hannam [I] brother of the said James, and Thomas Husey, son of Thomas Husey of Haselbury Bryan esquire, or any of them, shall so long live Yielding and paying therefore yearly during the said term unto the said Sir William Dodington, his heirs and assigns, the yearly rent of six shillings and eight pence at two [feasts] or terms in the year most usual, the Annunciation of St Mary the Virgin and St Michael the Archangel, by even portions to be paid. And James Hannam, etc., as own cost and charges [great timber only excepted] well and sufficiently repair, maintain and keep all the said demised premises in all needfull and necessary reparations whatsoever. If the rent is six weeks in arrears then Sir William Dodington shall repossess the premises. James Hannam shall have peaceable occupation with no claim from Sir William Dodington, or from one John Parker, late of Purse Caundle, or from one William Burd, by force or virtue of an execution upon a statute of two thousand pounds acknowledged by William Lord Stourton, deceased. And if any part of the tenement or cottage shall be in defect and want of sufficient great timber for the repairing and maintaining thereof, Sir William Dodington, etc. upon reasonable request, shall allow the same to be delivered by his steward or bailiff, to be only used for this purpose.
Signed sealed and delivered James Hannam [II]
In the presence of
Witnesses: John Okeley, Hugh Wayman'
This is all that is known about this branch of the Hannam Family.
John [I], the brother of William [III], was M.P. for Poole, Dorset, in 1547. He married Alice, daughter of - Orange of Wimborne, and settled there when he acquired the Dean's Court estate soon after the Dissolution of the Deanery and College of Wimborne Minster in 1547. They had children: Thomas [I] and Richard. Richard married Bridget, daughter of Sir John Newton of Barrs Court, Gloucestershire. They in turn had children: John [II] who died 29th October 1579, aged 13 years; and Anne who became heir, and was married by 15th June 1582 to (Sir) Walter Vaughan of Falstone, Wiltshire, and had died by 1593, leaving issue. John [I], who started the Wimborne Minster branch of the Hannam family, died 5th September 1559, followed by his wife Alice c.1560.
Thomas [I] of Wimborne was Recorder of Weymouth, Melcombe Regis 1571, M.P. for Melcombe Regis 1572, M.P. for Bristol 1584-1593, Recorder for Bristol 1585, Sergeant-at-law 1589. He married Penelope (who died 1622) daughter of Sir John Popham, Lord Chief Justice of England, and Amie Games. They had children: John [III] in 1574; Thomas [II] in 1576; Henry in 1583, who died unmarried in 1648 aged 65; Amy, who married firstly Thomas Pyne in 1595 and having son John [IV], and secondly to Martin White of Fiddleford, Dorset, who died 1611, whilst she died in 1640; Jane, who married Sir John Horton of Elkstone, Gloucestershire; Mary, who died unmarried; and Anne.
John [III] was M.P. for East Looe, Cornwall, in 1601, and Weymouth 1604-1611; High Sheriff of Dorset 1614, and being knighted 11th May 1603. He married Joan, daughter of Robert Wichalse of Chudleigh, Devon, the widow of Vice-Admiral Charles Trevanion. They had a daughter Eleanor, born c.1609, who married her cousin John Pyne of Curry Mallet, Somerset, and she died in 1662 aged 53, leaving issue. Joan Hannam was buried 3rd August 1615, whilst her husband John [III] died 28th August 1624. Coker was to write in 1623/4: "Nowe at Purscandell is the chiefe Seate of the Hanumes, unto whom it came by an Heire of John Longe, descended from a great Familie of that name in Wiltshire.' The arms of Hannam were given by Coker as: Quarterly or and gules on a bend engrailed sable 3 crosses pale fitche or - see illustration. Another describes the arms as: Quarterly or and gules on a bend engrailed sable 3 crosses patee fitche of the first.
Thomas Hannam [II], in 1606 as a sea-captain was to be co-commander of a voyage of exploration off the coast of Maine, New England (see also 1660 at end below); and M.P. for Minehead, Somerset 1642-44. In 1610 he married Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Broughton. They had children: John [IV] in 1586 - see below; Thomas [III] in 1617, a Barrister-at-Law in 1645, and married on 28th April 1646 to Margaret, eldest daughter of Sir William Dodington of Breamore, Hampshire, whose family were now Lords of the Manor of Purse Caundle (see APPENDIX B1). But Thomas [III] died in 1650, aged 33, without leaving any issue; Jane in 1618, who married William Constantine in 1637, and she died 1654 aged 36; and Penelope. Thomas Hannam [II] was to die 17th June 1650.
It was in 1640 that a younger James Hanham [II?] apparently sold Purse Caundle manor house to his cousin Thomas Hanham [II?] of Dean's Court, Wimborne.
In the Calendar of the Committee for Compounding, 1643-1660, there are several references to who is presumed to be Thomas Hannam [II].
In 1645, Thomas [II] Hannam's estate in Purse Caundle, valued in 1641 at £120 per annum, was sequestered. He is thought to have then wandered away to a cottage in Horsington. Not long after, this branch of the family became extinct.
'Thomas Hanham [II], late M.P., Caundle, Dorset, 1645, Nov. 1. Begs to compound by his younger son as proxy for going to Oxford, being induced on pretence of makg a happy peace; continued there but 10 days. Has voluntarily contributed for Parliament on the first proposition £80 and submitted to the Committee of Dorset before Michaelmas 1644. Has paid his own and his son's 5th and 20th part, £112, and has suffered much from plundering and free quarters for the last 2 years. Is aged 70. Is ordered to take the Covenant and Oath before the County Committee.
December? Fined at 1/3 £968; at 1/10 £386.
1646, June 25. Note that the former fine was confirmed by the [Honder?].
July 23. County Committee to forbear proceeding against him.'
Calendar for the Committee for Advance of Money, 1642-56:
Thos. Hanham, Wimborne, and Candel, co. Dorset.
1647, March 6. Assessed of £250.
1649, March 6. Petitions that he has lent several sums to Parliament, viz. £70 on the first proposition; £120 to the County Commissioners on the extreme necessity of Weymouth garrison; and has paid £112 of Sherborn for his and his son's 1/3 and 1/10, yet, on misinformation a ticket has been left him to appear and pay. Being too old and infirm to travel, has sent up his son, and begs discharge from the assessment.
1649, March 6. Ordered to bring up the particulars of his estate on which he compounded. To be examined and reported on.
March 22. Order for his discharge on payment of £100, with a note that it is paid.
April 5. Being assessed of £180, he begs deduction for Candel Farm, the 1/20 of which is £24, because since his composition of Goldsmith's Hall, he has sold it [to John Hoskins?, q.v.], and all the money went to pay former engagements. Noted the former order to stand.
Dec. 18. Information that for securing the repayment of £2,500 borrowed of him of H.Hanham, he mortgaged divers lands.' There are further Calendar references to other Hanhams of Wimborne Minster and Holwell.
1648, 30th May. Thomas Hanham of Purse Caundle was granted a Royal Pardon. (DHC ref: D/HNM G1/1) 14th November 1648, Thomas Hanham [II], Esq. of Purse Caundle proved the will of his brother Henry Hanham, gent. of Wimborne. The Arms of the Hannams of Wimborne and London were: Quarterly or and gules, on a bend sable three crosses formee fitchee of the first. Crest: A gryphon's head erased or.
Thomas Hanham [II] died 1st August 1652, aged 75. His will was dated 23rd July 1650, being proved on 24th November 1652 by John Hanham [IV?], as a Peculiar Will of Wimborne Minster.
John [IV] of Wimborne Minster, like Thomas Hannam [III], was in 1640 to marry a Dodington - Frances, sister of John Dodington of Breamore, Hampshire.They had children: John [V] who was baptised 10th November 1646, and died unmarried in 1670 aged 24; Frances, of Dean's Court, Wimborne, who was baptised 25th November c.1647, and on 9th July 1672 married Thomas (born c.1640), son of Colonel John Penruddock and Arundell Freke, in St. Peter-le-Poor church, Holborn, London, and they had a son Thomas [IV] in 1678; Edward who was baptised 23rd November 1648; Richard who was baptised 27th December 1649; William, the heir, created first baronet Hanham in 1667; James, who died and was interred 1st June 1658; Thomas [IV], who died and was interred 27th December 1656; Mary, who married in 1661 Robert Grove of Ferne, Wiltshire, and she died c.1688; Margaret, who died and was interred 29th October 1654.
The Genealogists' Magazine, Vol. 15, No. 3, September 1965, contained an article by J. P. Ferris: 'The Gentry of Dorset on the Eve of the Civil War'. The following are extracts:
'Many . . . families had at various times established younger sons on estates of their own, and sometimes these cadet branches came to overshadow the senior line. [In the history of] the Hannams . . . the elder branch, handicapped by recusancy, gradually disposed of its estates to its Anglican cousins and disappears during the Interregnum (1649-1660), and the successful cadet branch signalizes its arrival by a change in the spelling of its name. [Thomas Hannam given as being in possession of Purse Caundle manor house estate - TNA SP23/175/181].'
James Hannam [II] of the Roman Catholic branch of the family sold Radipole and Putton, both near Weymouth, to the head of the Protestant rather than let them go to his brother Benjamin [III?], who after renouncing his faith, was reduced to receiving relief from the parish - TNA SP23/152/655. Gambling was certainly prevalent; it may have been the downfall of a younger brother like poor Benjamin Hanham.
Purse Caundle soon after seems to have ceased being the main Hannam family home in favour of the manor of Holwell. This had been in the right of Mary (nee Watkins) which was to be purchased in 1590. James [I] Hannam's son and heir James [II] was born at Holwell on 22nd December 1589; and who when aged only 8 1/2 years was nominated as a tenant by Sir Francis and Lady Mary Hastings to chambers built soon after 1583 to which James [I] had 'a grant for life'. James Hannam [II] surrendered this tenancy on 25th May 1611. The Hannams' farm at Purse Caundle was purchased by John Hoskins esq. of Broadwindsor - a soldier in Cromwell's army.
Holwell, the home of the recusant James Hannam [II], was alleged to be a Popish arsenal; though when the Sheriff of Somerset, at the instance of the Long Parliament, did make his way there, he found nothing but a collection of old trophies.
After the 1660 Restoration, one or more of the Hannams were found in Somerset as Quakers. How this change of religion came about is not known. Apparently a William Hannam, born c.1600/1613 in England, emigrated in 1630 (probably on the Mary and John), and settled in Dorchester, Massachusetts, later starting a family. A George Hannum and wife arrived in Wethersfield, Massachusetts c.1636. Then in 1686 a John Hannum (with his wife Marjory) is found buying a farm outside Philadelphia, Chester County, Pennsylvania, which state was founded by the Quaker William Penn who received his charter in 1682.
The only surviving Hannam MIs in Horsington churchyard are on this single stone in the area north of the church. The first side is of William Hannam who died 1878, aged 54, and the other is of his wife Susan who died 1897 aged 79:
There are a couple of 20th century MIs in the village cemetery.
Apparently there was published in 2002 by the Gateway Press a book titled: 'The Hannums of Massachusetts and Their English Forebears and Their Descendants who Removed to Central and Western New York, Ohio, Illinois, and Points Beyond' by 1863-1956 Hannum, William Hamilton Hannum. Pages 1-80 covered the 'Early Hannams of Wessex'.
ReplyDeleteI should be most obliged if someone could please put me in touch with a copy of this book; or having their own access to this book could find a way of sending me the above relevant pages.
Ronald D. Knight
In searching for Hannum ancestors I found a possible connection between Hannams in Calne, Wiltshire, and those of Purse Caundle: John Hannam was a leading figure in Calne, Wilts around 1600 and in 1634 his son, John, went to Oxford where his sponsor was Thomas Hussey. This may be the man of Shapwick, Dorset who in 1616 married Elizabeth Hannam, daughter of James Hannam of Holwell, Dorset. It suggests the Hannams of Calne may be related to those of Holwell or their cousins of Wimborne Minster.
ReplyDeleteI was looking in Calne because most of the neighbors of John Hannum and his wife Margery Southery in Pennsylvania were from one small section of Wiltshire (roughly 10mi by 20mi, bounded by Warminster, Marlborough and Chippenham). This included families named Bailey, Beale, Bezer, Chandler, Cloud, Collett, Davis, Eyre, Gibbons, Harris, Hickman, Lea, Mendenhall, Pyle, Smith, Southery, Walter, Way and Withers. They all came from this part of Wiltshire when land became available after William Penn’s 1681 charter.
For the record, my ancestors John Hannum and wife Margery Southery first appeared in Concord Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania in 1686. They named their first son James. Her father, Robert Southery of Westbury Wilts, and uncle, John Gibbons of Warminster Wilts, lived nearby in Chester County.
The sources for the above are readily available histories and records of Chester County and Wiltshire.
Os Cresson