Show ContentsGatecombe History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Gatecombe family

The surname Gatecombe 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 Gatecombe family

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

Gatecombe Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Gatecombe have been found, including Gattiscombe, Gatcomb, Gatecombe, Gatcome, Gatecomb, Gatecome, Gatcumb, Gatcumbe, Gatecumb, Gatecumbe, Gatescombe, Gatescomb, Gatescome, Gattiscomb, Gattiscome, Gatiscomb and many more.

Early Notables of the Gatecombe family

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

Migration of the Gatecombe family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America bore the name Gatecombe, or a variant listed above: 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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