Roots in Norfolk; Cockley Clay

My Jessep ancestors were from Cockley Clay, Norfolk. This was, and is, a small village. The ancient people of this area were the Iceni and the Iceni model village, which has now closed, was at Cockley Clay. The Iceni were a Brittonic tribe of eastern Britain during the Iron Age and early Roman era. Archaeological evidence of the Iceni includes torcs — heavy rings of gold, silver or electrum worn around the neck and shoulders. The Iceni began producing coins around 10 BC and there are many examples of these coins in various collections. They were a great people who were eventually conquered by the Romans. The famous leader, Boudica, was Iceni and her heroic story is well known. Today, a large statue of Boudica wielding a sword and charging upon a chariot, called "Boadicea and Her Daughters", can be seen in London on the north bank of the Thames. (from Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iceni

The Jessep Family Name

According to https://www.houseofnames.com/jessep-family-crest ; "The name Jessep reached English shores for the first time with the ancestors of the Jessep family as they migrated following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The name Jessep is based on the ancient personal name Joseph. The surname Jessop was a baptismal name which meant Joseph. Baptismal names began to appear as surnames relatively late in the growth of the naming tradition. This is a little surprising, given the popularity of biblical figures in the Christian countries of Europe. Nevertheless, surnames derived from baptismal names grew in popularity during the Middle Ages, and have become one of the foremost sources for surnames.

Early Origins of the Jessep family

The surname Jessep was first found in Yorkshire where they held a family seat from very early times and were granted lands by Duke William of Normandy, their liege Lord, for their distinguished assistance at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 A.D."

Fortunately our recent family history and migration to Australia is covered in a book and website compiled by my cousins (including Bill Jessep and Bronwyn Jessep). Jessep Down Under | Norfolk to the Colonies -160 Years On.

This history recounts how the family in Australia originally came with two brothers, 160 years ago. After the death of his wife, Jane Jessep (nee Cooper), who died giving birth to their eighth child, Thomas decided to abandon the family business, a pub, and emigrate to Australia. They lived in Gooderstone, near Cockley Clay in Norfolk. This is the legendary seat of the Icene tribe and the famous Boudica and a model Icene village is now nearby. He married a woman named Elisabeth English, gathered the children, and boarded a vessel, the Caroline Middleton, for Australia. They embarked with his brother, James, and his family. As the ship passed the Cayman Islands Scarlet fever broke out on the vessel and claimed Thomas's life. Apparently, the young widow, Elizabeth, could be heard screaming throughout the ship. His body was wrapped and cast overboard.

On arrival in Hobart Elisabeth abandoned the children and disappeared, leaving them to the care of the orphanage. Why the uncle did not take them is not clear but it is known that the older siblings were able to obtain work and sent money for the support of the younger children. The young women were obliged to marry as soon as they were old enough so that they could leave the orphanage and achieve independence. One daughter, Elisabeth, married a ticket of leave convict, who was much older than she, Edward Gasson, and they established a property and a good life which is well documented.

My ancestor, William, was 11, old enough to support himself so did not go to the orphanage. He married Ellen Drake from New Zealand and they became the parents of Frederick Ernest Jessep, my great grandfather. His cousin, Thomas, became a member of parliament.