Show ContentsGatecome History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Gatecome family

The surname Gatecome was first found in Somerset at Gatcomb(e) or Gatcombe, a village in the civil parish of Chillerton and Gatcombe, on the Isle of Wight. Of the two locations, Somerset proved to be the first to find early records of the family. Nicholas de Gaticumbe was found here in 1261 as was William de Gatecumbe who was listed here in the Assize Rolls for 1279. 1

Gatcombe Court in Somerset was built in the late 14th century, based on a solar (room) built by John de Gatcombe before 1254. The house was further altered in the late 17th century and again in the 20th century.

Early History of the Gatecome family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gatecome research. Another 131 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1290 and 1586 are included under the topic Early Gatecome History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gatecome Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Gatecome include Gattiscombe, Gatcomb, Gatecombe, Gatcome, Gatecomb, Gatecome, Gatcumb, Gatcumbe, Gatecumb, Gatecumbe, Gatescombe, Gatescomb, Gatescome, Gattiscomb, Gattiscome, Gatiscomb and many more.

Early Notables of the Gatecome family

More information is included under the topic Early Gatecome Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Gatecome family

A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants: Francis Gatcomb, who settled in New England in 1721; Thomas Gatcombe, who came to America in 1730; and Ernest Edwin Gatcomb, who settled in California in 1890..



  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)


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