Show ContentsSaussays History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Saussays was brought to England in the wave of migration that followed the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Saussays 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 Saussays family

The surname Saussays 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 Saussays family

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

Saussays Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence in the eras before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate regularly changed the spellings of their names as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Saussays have been found, including Saucy, Sauser, Saucer, Sassy, Saussaye, Sausse, Sassy, Sassie, de la Sausseys, Saucer, Sauser, Sasser, Saussays, Sauchy, Caucer and many more.

Early Notables of the Saussays family

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

Ireland Migration of the Saussays family to Ireland

Some of the Saussays 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 Saussays family

For many English families, the social climate in England was oppressive and lacked opportunity for change. For such families, the shores of Ireland, Australia, and the New World beckoned. They left their homeland at great expense in ships that were overcrowded and full of disease. Many arrived after the long voyage sick, starving, and without a penny. But even those were greeted with greater opportunity than they could have experienced back home. Numerous English settlers who arrived in the United States and Canada at this time went on to make important contributions to the developing cultures of those countries. Many of those families went on to make significant contributions to the rapidly developing colonies in which they settled. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name Saussays were among those contributors: 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)


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