Show ContentsDe la sausseys History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

De la sausseys is a name of ancient Norman origin. It arrived in England with the Norman Conquest of 1066. The De la sausseys family lived in Sassy, "in the arrondissement of Avranches, near Pontorsin; sometimes spelt Sacie, and given as Saussai on the Dives Roll. The 'sire de Sassy' figures among the combatants at Hastings in Wace's Roman de Ron.' 1

Early Origins of the De la sausseys family

The surname De la sausseys was first found in Devon and Hereford where "Osbernus de Salceid" and "Radulphus de Salceit," were barons as listed in the Domesday Book of 1086. 2 The latter's descendants quickly spread to many parts of the country.

The Pipe Rolls include a listing for Ralph de Saci in Gloucestershire (1155-1158) and Rogo de Saci held the Bishop of Winchester 1189-1190. At about the same time, Robert de Salceio was listed in Buckinghamshire as was William de Salceio in Oxfordshire. Kiddington in Oxfordshire came into their possession soon after the Conquest.

It is supposed that the old church of Kiddington (of which the chancel only is now left) was built by one of them in the reign of Stephen; and they presented to this church, as well as to that of Asterley, in 1221 and 1232. About the year 1200, Sibill de Saucey married Richard de Willescote, or Williamscote, who, dying before or during 1232, left his son Thomas heir.

"They were a family of high rank and distinction, though unnoticed in history, and were seized of very considerable lands and jurisdictions, not only in Oxfordshire, but in Buckinghamshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Herefordshire and Northamptonshire, where I am of opinion that Salcey Forest took its name from them." 1

"In Leicestershire Anketin de Saucey gave his name to Newbold-Saucey, a parcel of the fee of Harcourt ; and Overton-Saucey passed to Simon de Saucey from the Bernevilles. The heir of Robert de Saucey held, in 1240, of the Honour de Ferrers; and Simon, in 1287, was a benefactor of Ouston Abbey ; his son Robert and his grandson Robert confirmed the grant. Their residence was in the neighbourhood of Newbold, at Saucey, or Sauvay Castle, between Laund and Withcote; afterwards the seat of Lord Basset of Weldon. In old deeds the name is sometimes written Salcey." 1

Newbold-Saucy is now a lost village in Leicestershire. We do known that a chapel was built there in the 12th century but the chapel was active in 1361 when it was noted that mass was to be celebrated there four times a week.

Early History of the De la sausseys family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our De la sausseys research. Another 291 words (21 lines of text) covering the years 1172, 1214, 1221, 1224, 1296 and 1324 are included under the topic Early De la sausseys History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

De la sausseys Spelling Variations

Endless spelling variations are a prevailing characteristic of Norman surnames. Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules, and the introduction of Norman French added an unfamiliar ingredient to the English linguistic stew. French and Latin, the languages of the court, also influenced spellings. Finally, Medieval scribes generally spelled words according to how they sounded, so one person was often referred to by different spellings in different documents. The name has been spelled Saucy, Sauser, Saucer, Sassy, Saussaye, Sausse, Sassy, Sassie, de la Sausseys, Saucer, Sauser, Sasser, Saussays, Sauchy, Caucer and many more.

Early Notables of the De la sausseys family

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

Ireland Migration of the De la sausseys family to Ireland

Some of the De la sausseys family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 65 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the De la sausseys family

To escape the political and religious persecution within England at the time, many English families left for the various British colonies abroad. The voyage was extremely difficult, though, and the cramped, dank ships caused many to arrive in the New World diseased and starving. But for those who made it, the trip was most often worth it. Many of the families who arrived went on to make valuable contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families reveals a number of immigrants bearing the name De la sausseys or a variant listed above: the name represented in many forms and recorded from the mid 17th century in the great migration from Europe. Migrants settled in the eastern seaboard from Newfoundland, to Maine, to Virginia, the Carolinas, and to the islands..



  1. Cleveland, Dutchess of The Battle Abbey Roll with some Account of the Norman Lineages. London: John Murray, Abermarle Street, 1889. Print. Volume 3 of 3
  2. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)


Houseofnames.com on Facebook