Show ContentsGatecumb History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Gatecumb family

The surname Gatecumb 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 Gatecumb family

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

Gatecumb Spelling Variations

Gatecumb has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Spelling variants included: Gattiscombe, Gatcomb, Gatecombe, Gatcome, Gatecomb, Gatecome, Gatcumb, Gatcumbe, Gatecumb, Gatecumbe, Gatescombe, Gatescomb, Gatescome, Gattiscomb, Gattiscome, Gatiscomb and many more.

Early Notables of the Gatecumb family

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

Migration of the Gatecumb family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Gatecumbs to arrive on North American shores: 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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