| | Abstract by FMG - 01 Jul 2005 | | Subtitled, The origins and medieval history of the Seymour family, this substantial book tells the story of this famous family, from the earliest records available up to about 1600. Beginning with the early Seymours the author aims to correct errors perpetuated by earlier (and some more recent) writers. He recognises that the name probably has multiple origins, and there is no presumption of relatedness simply through a shared name. The primary focus is on the descendants of the Norman families which in the 11th to 14th centuries generally used the names Sancto Mauro, St Maur and Sayntmaur, however Patterson also notes the pre-conquest villages of Semer in Yorkshire and Suffolk, which also gave rise eventually to Seymour surname variants. As well as a detailed text covering at least 1500 individuals, the book cites primary medieval sources as evidence, and gives 60 genealogical charts, 9 illustrations plus 10 coloured illustrations of Seymour arms. |
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