Clay of Somerset

1199. Nov. 8th. Roger de la Cleie was listed regarding Cuton in Somerset. (Ref.- Rotuli  Curiae Regis page 104).

1202. Stephen Clay of Emigton and John his son and Geoffrey le Burser accused of robbery and burglary to appear before 12 jurors who say they do not suspect them therefore let them be liberated.  ------  (Ref.- Somerset Pleas from the Rolls of Justices).

1204. Roger de la Cleia listed with 4 others concerning rents in Somerset. (Ref.- Rotuli Normannia page 127).

1251. Henry de la Cleye witness to a grant of 10 acres in Twiverton. (Somerset Heritage Centre. Ref.- DD\WHb/528).

c1268. Grant to Henry de la Cleye and John de Bruton concerning the island in the Avon that if any of their cattle stray on the island they shall be delivered to them freely. (Publications of The Somerset  ---  Record Society folio 173).

1302-04. Adam Cley.- Bailiff. Glastonbury Abbey Court Roll. (Somerset Heritage Centre. Ref.- T\ PH\ lon2/15/11271 + 14/11272).

1305-06. Adam Cley. - Bailiff. Glastonbury Abbey documents on microfilm. (Somerset Heritage Centre Ref. - T\ PH\ lon2 /15/11215).

1321. Sept. 22nd. Charter of John Bydeforde of Bristol chaplain giving to Thomas Russell his tenement with houses and gardens in Billeswyk by Bristol between the lands formely of Thomas Aillard and   -- Henry at Cley. (Ref.- Cartulary of St Mark's Hospital. Bristol page 65).

1327. March 24th. Complaint by John Godelee dean of the church of St Andrew. Wells. That Adam abbot of Glastonbury, Thomas atte Cley, John atte Cley and some 30 others entered his manor at Modeslee co. Somerset  and broke some of his houses there, burnt the timber thereof and also his heather and grass growing there, took away 6 mares, 6 foals . 6 cows, 10 bullocks, 40 swine of his, felled and carried away his trees there, besieged some of his servants in the houses of the said manor and assaulted others. (Ref.- PC2022.).

1333. Conveyance from William Freeman to Walter de Meryet a message and 45 acres in Bishop's Lydyard on the death of Roger atte Welle and John Cley. (TNA Calendar Edw 111).

1335. Oct. 21st. Henry in le Cleye witness to a lease in Twyverton. (Ref.- Somerset Heritage Centre DD\WHb/570).

1340 - 43. Oct. 20th. Complaint by Thomas de Berkele that John atte Cley and others carried away his goods at Bedemenster co. Somerset and assaulted and imprisoned his servants. (Cal.Pat. Rolls. 2d).

1342. Sept. 30th. Henry in la Claye witness with others to lease of a cottage in Twyverton to Thomas de Prydegh. (Somerset Heritage Ref.- DD\WHb/579).

1342. Lay Subsidy (Tax)  Roberto atte Cleye taxed 6 pence at Empneberghem and Willelmo Cley at Raceway  taxed 6 pence (Ref.- TNA  Somerset Lay Subsidy Roll. 16 Edw. 111).

1343. Lease. Walter de Rodeneye to Walter Lovekyn a tenement in Twyverton. Witness John in la Claye and 2 others. (Somerset Heritage Centre Ref.- DD/WHb/582).

1347. John Cley witness land demise in Churcheye. Bishops Lydiard. Somerset. (Devon Archives Ref.- 2912M/T/T18).

1366. Dec.10th. Grant by the rector of St Mary's church within Northgate to John Whyttokysmede of a yearly rent of 6s.8d  issuing from a tenement in Westgate Street which Stephen Cleye holds for his life. (Ref.- Bath Record Office .BC151/3/23).

1377. Taunton Priory. John Cley was Precenter. (Ref.- Publications of the Somerset Record Society vol. 9).

1409. Walter Cley on a title of the Abbot and Convent of Muchelney. Bishop Bubwith's Register. (Somerset Record Society vol 30 page 494).

1419. December. Walterum Clay de Fyfide and a large number of others in a Latin list. Bishop Bubwith's Register. (Somerset Record Society vol. 30 page 380).

1436. Feb. 15th. Commission  that Thomas Wyke should have the manor of Westchelworth. County Somerset witness Richard Clay and 3 others. (TNA Ref.- Calendar of Close Rolls. Hen. V1).

1439. The Sheriff of Somerset said the man was warned by Richard Clay and 3 others to appear in Chancery but he did not appear whereupon his favour is annulled. (Ref.- TNA Calendar of Patent Rolls).

1444. Westminster Court. Henry Champeneys querant and John Cleye deforciant concerning 4 messuages, 120 acres land, 24 acres meadow, 20 acres pasture, 6 acres wood and pasture for 200 sheep in Neuton Seintlowe, Twyverton and Barogh juxta Inglescomb. John acknowledged the right of Henry. (TNA. Feet of Fines. Somerset. 22 Hen. V1).

1465. April 30th. Court of Frankpledge. John Alerman and John Cley millers are fined for not cleaning out a ditch called Poldrewe. (History of the Parish of Wiveliscombe).

1473-75. John Cley  deceased was apprenticed to Thomas Nabbe chapman of Wells. Somerset. (TNA Ref.- C1/48/476).

1477. Land granted between the lands of Edelina de la Cleye on both sides called Theyacres. ( Ref.- Medieval Deeds of Bath page 172).

1569. Muster Roll  at Mulchelney. Philip Cley. Armuor one almain rivet. (TNA Somerset Muster Roll).

1599. Thomas Cley of Muchelney. Somerset - mentioned in court records /probate. (Somerset Heritage Centre Ref.- D\ D\ Cta \ T41).

1603-25. Benedict Clay defendant - Phillip Clay plaintiff concerning a tenement in East Lambrooke and Kingsbury. Somerset held by the plaintiffs mother Joan Grinter. (The National Archives Ref.- C2/Jas1/C22/4).

1617. November. John Clay defendant in a case of Forcible Entry on a meadow in Drayton. Somerset, cutting and carrying hay and assault. (TNA Ref.- STAC8/212/26).

1623. April 22nd. William Cley of Langport Westover. Somerset  and 2 others shall be suppressed from keeping a tippling house any longer in that it appeareth that they suffered Thomas Rose of Curry Revell and Veanes the wife of John Andrews of Wellington to commit adultery in their houses as well as many other misdemeanours proved against William Cleye and his insolent behaviour in court towards Mr Pyne. (Somerset Quarter Sessions Records vol.1).

1628. Oct.10th. Lease of a tenement and garden in the parish of St James. Bath to Robert Clay and his wife Elizabeth and their son Edward. (Bath and North East Somerset Record Office Ref.- BC/6/2/3/69).

1655. June 14th. Clay of Barrington was arrested for selling beer without a license. (Somerset Heritage Centre Ref.- Q/SR/91/98).

1655. Oct.19th. Evidence of Frances Clay of Barrington spinster in a bastardy case against William Elliot of South Petherton who had carnal knowledge of her body in the parsonage barn at South Petherton. (Somerset Heritage Centre Ref.- Q/SR/91/75).

1658. Will of Phillip Cley yeoman of Hewish. Somerset. Wife Melia, Kinsman Arthur Cley of Martock son of his brother Benidictus Cley, Philip Cley son of my kinsman Arthur Cley. (TNA Ref.- PROB11/272/598).

1663. Oct.16th. Lease of a messuage and garden in Stall Street. Bath to Edward Clay and Ann his wife. (Bath and North East Somerset Record Office Ref.- BC/6/2/3.359).

1663. Dispute concerning the goods of John Cley junior of Drayton. Somerset deceased - 4 acres in Aller Moor. (Somerset Heritage Centre Ref.- DD\ SAS\ C/795/PR/294).

1707. June 30th. Lease of a messuage and garden in Stall Street. Bath to Robert Clay. (Bath and North East Somerset Record Office. Ref.- BC/6/2/3/1117).

1722. July 11th. Will of John Channon yeoman of Somerset to Mary Clay of Wellington spinster £20. (History of Wellington).

1726. August 31st. Mary Clay and 2 others "all my servants" witness to the Will of Francis Popham gent of Wellington. (Ref.- History of Wellington).

1774. June 14th. Henry Clay of Hinton Charterhouse. Sheerman is convicted of cursing 3 profane curses. (Somerset Heritage Centre Ref.- Q/SR/342/3/29).

1803 - 26. Col. John Clay born Freshford.Somerset served in the 1st Foot Guards. Discharged age 40. (TNA Ref.- WO97/162/51).

1804 - 06. William Clay a Lease in Wellington and West Buckland parish. (Somerset Heritage Centre Ref.- DD\CC\F/8704 and 8706).

1815. October. William Clay witness at  the Court Leet Manor of Wellington. (History of Wellington).

1816. Oct. 22nd. William Clay. Bailiff on Jury at the Court Leet Manor of Wellington. (History of Wellington).

1819. Jan.19th. The Petition of John Clay formely of Lewins Mead. Bristol. Somersetshire. Victualler and Brewer and late of Villa Place. Walworth. Surrey. Grocer and Cheesemonger now a prisoner in the County Gaol of Surrey will be heard at the Guildhall in the City of Westminster. (London Gazette page 144).

1824. March 4th. Grand Fancy Ball at York House. Bath.- 260 people dressed splendidly. Among the most prominent characters were Mrs General Clay a Turkish Sultana extremely superb, Miss L. Clay Cinderella exquisitely attired, Miss J. Clay Fair Star lovely and interesting, Mr B. Clay Highland Chief. (Bath Chronicle).

1829. July 29th. The partnership between John Clay and others Flax Spinners at Greenham Mill in the parish of Crewkerne in County of Somerset has been dissolved. (London Gazette page 1369).

1836. Oct. 29th. William Clay. Water Bailiff on the jury at the Court Leet Manor of Wellington. (Court Rolls Manor of Wellington).

1836. Admitted to Ichester Gaol. Somerset. William Clay age 20. Labourer for stealing a goose. Sentence 5 days gaol. (South West Heritage Trust Taunton. Ref.- Q/AG1/14/5).

1837. Oct. 25th. John Clay. Water Bailiff on the jury at the Court Leet Manor of Wellington. Charles Clay witness. ( Court Rolls Manor of Wellington.).

1838. April. 25th. Newspaper Report. - Inquest. Certain bones have been discovered at Wellington. John Clay "I have been in the habit of buying bones I bought a bag of human bones not knowing at the time they were human bones I cannot say who I bought them off but afterwards I learnt they were from the Meeting Yard, when I was delivering the bones I was told some of them were human bones" Clay was reprimanded by the Jury. (Taunton Courier). - (Rag 'n' Bone men collected bones and sold them to glue manufactures).

1841. Will of Blakeman John Clay. Retired Supervisor of Excise of Walcot. Bath. Somerset.  Wife Mary Ann Clay. (TNA Ref.- PROB11/1954/390).

1846. Captain William Noble Clay. "Silverthornes". 34 Grosvenor Place. Bath. (Bath Directory).

1846. Oct. 28th. Charles Clay. Bailiff on the jury at the Court Leet Manor of Wellington. (History of Wellington).

1847. May 17th. William James Clay hatter of Taunton witness in a case of riot and assault in Taunton. (Somerset Heritage Centre Ref.- Q/SR/557/105).

1847. June 17th. Walter Davey charged with stealing 3 wooden rails from James Clay butcher of Wallington. (Somerset Heritage Centre Ref.- Q/SR/557/33).

1848. Oct. 30th. James Clay signed as witness at the Court Leet Manor of Wellington and in 1849 and 1850.  (Ref.- History of Wellington).

1850. Sept. 6th. Will of William Noble Clay of Walcot. Somerset. (TNA Ref.- PROB11/2119/112).

1851. Census. William Clay age 8 Scholar born at Bath. Somerset at Christ's Hospital in Hertford.

1856. Admitted to Shepton Mallet Gaol. Somerset. Henry Clay age 27. Tailor. Singleman 6 months gaol for stealing a purse.  (South West Heritage Trust. Taunton. Ref.- Q/AGS/14/6).

1856-60. James Clay born Somerset. Attestation Papers to serve in the Royal Marines at Plymouth 1856 when aged 19. Discharged 1860. (TNA Ref.- ADM157/163/284).

1858. Dec.14th. Lecture by William Clay Esq of Bath on Natural Magic. (Ref.- Gilman's Devizes Public Register and Almanack).

1858. Oaths of Commissioners. Charles Clay of Somerset. (TNA Ref.- C202/248/6).

1860. Joseph Clay was the clerk of Clifton parish church and he gave evidence at Long Aston Petty Sessionws concerning a lady who committed bigamy. (British Mercury Newspaper 4th May 1878 p.16).

1861 Census. Charles Clay age 66  Ag Lab  Born  Hinton. Somerset  living at Freshford. Wiltshire with wife Hannah and son William.

1864.  Admitted to Wilton Gaol at Taunton. William Clay age 9. Convicted of a felony sentenced to 10 years in gaol. (South West Heritage Trust. Taunton. Ref.- Q/AGW/14/3).

1866. Admitted to Shepton Mallett Gaol. William Henry Clay age 23. Clerk. Breaking and entering the church at Whichurch and stealing one prayer book also did break and enter the schoolhouse and stealing a 8 day dial, one towel and a chamois leather and breaking and entering the Baptist Meeting House and stealing several keys and stealing a quantity of books. Sentence 1 year in gaol. (South West Heritage Trust. Taunton. Ref.- Q/AGS/14/2).

1869. Admitted to Shipton Mallett Gaol. Sandford Neville Clay age 29. Blockprinter. 1 months gaol - threatened to commit suicide. (South West Heritage Trust. Taunton.  Ref. - Q/AGS//14/8).

1873. Arthur Edwin Clay born 13th June 1853 at Taunton. Royal Navy Seaman number 82491. (TNA Ref.- ADM188/76/82491).

1873. William Clay owner of 3 acres of land at Wellington. (Ref. Publication. Return of Owners of Land by John Lambert 1875).

1891 - 1994. Clay Family of Wiveliscombe. Scrapbook of Betty St Clair Clay (nee Baden-Powell). Diaries of Gerald Clay. Photo album of G. C. R. Clay. (Somerset Heritage Centre Ref.- A\ DKG.).

The following transcripts should be checked with the original registers.

1572. Editha daughter of John Clay baptised at Drayton.

1578. John Clay married Elizabeth at Drayton.

1579. John son of John Clay baptised at  Drayton.

1579. John Clay buried at Drayton. 

1579. Henry son of John Clay baptised at Drayton.

1579. John son of John Claye baptised at Drayton.

1579. John son of John Claye buried at Drayton.

1587. Thomas son of John Clay baptised at  Drayton.

1588. John son of Nicholas Clay baptised at Widcombe.

1591. Elizabeth daughter of Nicholas Clay baptised Widcombe.

1594. John Cley buried at Cannington.

1599. Thomas son of John Clay buried at Drayton.

1606. John Clay buried at Bridgwater.

1607. Elizabeth Clay buried at Bridgwater.

1609. John Cley buried at Fiddington

1613 / 14. Elizabeth Clay married Nicholas Deacon at Widcombe.

1614. John son of John Clay baptised at Drayton.

1615. John Clay buried at Drayton.

1615. John Clay married Katherine Treasure at High Ham.

1616. Robert Clay married Joane Phipps at Bath.

1621. Alexander son of Robert Clay baptised at Bath.

1622. John Cley buried at Drayton.

1623. Alexander son of Robert Clay buried at Bath.

1623. John Cleye buried at Barrington.

1624. Margaret daughter of Robert Clay baptised at Bath.

1625. Joan Clay married John Buckrell at Drayton.

1627. Edward son of Robert Clay baptised at Bath.

1627. Margaret daughter of Robert Clay buried at Bath.

1627. Elizabeth Clay married William Coggan at Drayton.

1629. Agnes Clay married Amos Powler at Cannington.

1629. Margerie Clay buried at Cannington.

1632 / 33. Martha daughter of Robert Clay buried at Bath.

1651 / 52. Mary Clay married Daniel Palmer at Pitney.

1656. Edward Clay married Anne Spering at Bath Abbey.

1658 / 59. Robert Clay buried at Bath.

Claye.

1562. Joan Claye married Anthony North at Drayton.

1564. Christian Claye married William Wayford at Drayton.

1570. John Claye married Agnes at Drayton.

1572. Alyce Claye married Henry Gurde ? at Drayton.

1576. Isabell Claye baptised at Drayton.

1577. John Claye married  Joane at Drayton.

1578. John Claye married Elizabeth Trinlet at Drayton.

1579. John son of John Claye baptised at Drayton.

1586. Robert son of Nicholas Claye baptised at Widcombe.

1588. John son of Nicholas Claye baptised at Widcombe.

1591. Elizabeth daughter of Nicholas Claye baptised at Widcombe.

1594. Nicholas son of Nicholas Claye baptised at Widcombe.

1594. Thomas Claye buried at Mells.

1617. Joan wife of Robert Claye buried at Bath.

1618. Robert Claye married Elizabeth Taylor at Bath.

1618 / 19. Martha daughter of Robert Claye baptised at Bath.

1622. Nicholas Claye buried at Widcombe.

1635 / 36. Agnes Claye buried at Cannington.

1635 / 36. Elizabeth Claye widow buried at Widcombe.

Cley.

1558. Alyce Cley buried at Drayton.

1558 / 59. William Cley married Agnes Smyth at Bridgwater.

1560. John Cley married Jone Hobe at Cannington.

1561 / 62. William Cley buried at Bridgwater.

1562. Jone Cley married William Flew ? at Cannington.

1562 / 63. John Cley buried at Cannington.

1564. Alexander Cley baptised at Cannington.

1568. John Clay baptised at Cannington.

1573. Margery Cley  baptised at Cannington.

1577. Christyan Cley baptised at Cannington.

1581. Henry son of John Cley baptised at Drayton.

1583. Thomas Cley married Joan Stuckey at Kingsbury.

1586. Thomas son of Thomas Cley baptised at Kingsbury.

1592. Katherine Cley married Thomas Tatchell at Kingsbury.

1592. Alexander Cley married Agnes Pryor at Cannington.

1592. Henry Cley baptised at Cannington.

1594. John Cley buried at Cannington.

1594 / 95. Jane Clay baptised at Cannington.

1597. Agnes Cley baptised at Cannington.

1600. Joan Cley baptised at Cannington.

1602. Agnes Cley buried at Bridgwater.

1602 / 03. Mary Clay baptised at Cannington.

1603. Alexander Cley buried at Cannington.

1623. Dorothy Cley buried at High Ham.

1624 / 25. Edmund son of John Cley baptised at High Ham.

1629. John base born son of Joan Cley baptised at High Ham.

1632. Joanna Cley married Adrian Aysh at High Ham.

1639. Marie Cley married John Doble at Cannington.

1642. John son of Edward and Elizabeth Cley baptised at High Ham.

1642. John Cley alias Savidge buried at High Ham.

1644. Katherine Cley buried at High Ham.

1646. Edith Cley married Andrew Snow at High Ham.

1851 Census. Wellington. Somerset.

South Street.

Charles Clay age 40  Tailor  Born Wellington. Somerset.

Susan Clay   age 40  Wife  Milliner  Born  Wellington.

E.M. Clay  age  13  Daughter              Born Wellington.

J. W. Clay age 13  Son. Apprentice Tailor  Born Wellington

Susan Clay age   8  Daughter Scholar     Born Wellington.

Emma Clay age   6   Daughter  Scholar  Born  Wellington.

Mary Clay age  4     Daughter                      Born Wellington.

P. Clay age  1  Son                                               Born  Wellington.

1851 Census. Wellington. Somerset.

North Street.

James Clay age 37  Licensed Victualer  Born Wellingtonton. Somerset.

Elizabeth Clay age  37  Wife of Innkeeper    Born Wellington.

Elizabeth Clay age  11  Daughter  Scholar    Born Wellington.

Eliza Clay age   9    Daughter  Scholar              Born Wellington.

1 Lodger.    

1851 Census. Wellington. Somerset.

Rockwell Green.

William Clay age 29 Butcher  Born Wellington. Somerset.

Ann Clay age  29  Wife               Born Wellington.

1 Servant.

1851 Census. Wellington. Somerset.

Mantle Street.

Jane Clay age 48  Widow  Grocer  Born  Wellington.

James Clay age 12  Son                       Born  Wellington.

1851 Census. Mary Magdalin. Taunton. Somerset.

High Street.

William Clay age 67  Accountant  Born London. Middlesex.

Mary Clay age  68  Wife                    Born  Exeter. Devonshire.

1851 Census. Hinton Charterhouse. Somerset.

Charles Clay age 54   Ag Lab  Born Hinton. Somerset.

Hannah Clay age 60   Wife     Born  Hinton.

William Clay age  37  Lodger. Ag Lab. Unmarried.  Born  Hinton.

2 Lodgers.

1851 Census. Camberwell. Surrey.

James Clay age 38 Messenger  Born Bath. Somerset.

Mary Clay age  37  Wife               Born  Lambeth. Surrey.

1871 Census. Bedminster. Somerset.

Thomas H. Clay age  45 Body Maker Born Clifton. Bristol.

Ellen Clay age 45 Wife Hive Maker Born Bristol.

Esther Clay age 17 Daughter Hive Maker Born Bristol.

Harriett Clay age 11 Daughter Domestic Servant Born Bristol.

Isabella Clay age  8 Daughter Scholar Born Bristol.

Thomas Clay age 5 Son Scholar Born Bristol.

1871 Census. Walcot. Somerset.

Joseph Clay age 33 Hawker Born Wednesbury. Staffordshire.

Fanny Clay age 33 Wife Hawker Born South Brent. Somerset.

1911 Census. Bath. St Michael. Somerset.

E. Jane Clay age 72 Widow Private Means Born Bath. Somerset.

Norah Evelyn Clay age 17 Single. Grandchild. Scholar Born Bath. Somerset.

Violet Clay age 14 Grandchild. Scholar Born Bath. Somerset.

Anne Mears age 23 Single. Servant Born Midsomer. Norton. Somerset.

1911 Census. Bath. St Michael. Somerset.

York House.

Mary Elizabeth Clay age 71 Single. Private Means Born Rastrick. Yorkshire.

1911 Census. Bath. St Michael. Somerset.

Beatrice Anna Clay age 67 Widow. Private Means Born Shire. Nairn.

Beatrice Lillian Gordan Clay age 11 Grandaughter School Born Sialkote. Bengal. India.

1911 Census. Worle. Somerset.

Robert King Clay age 29 Solicitor Clerk Born Weston Super Mare.

Edith Ellen Clay age 28 Wife Born Milton. Weston Super Mare.

Robert John Clay age 6 Son School Born Milton. Weston Super Mare. 

1911 Census. Rimpton. Somerset.

Sarah Jane Clay age 31 Single. Cook General Servant Born Enfield Lock. Middlesex. Living with Taylor Family.

1911 Census. North Curry. Somerset.

Lillian Frances Clay age 25 Niece. Single. Domestic Help Born Hampstead. London. Living with Anne Chard Lock. Widow.

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