Southcott is a surname of an ancient and prominent family from the English counties of Devon and Cornwall.
History
The surname Southcott is first recorded by Michael de Suthcot, Lord of Suthcot in the 13th century, and later recorded by Sir Nicholas Southcott Jr of Southcott and Chudleigh (1450–1512) in the 15th century.[1] According to the Survey of Devon by Tristram Risdon (b.1580), "Michael de Southcott Lord of Southcott was from whom issued divers families. For he was the original of a great kindred in this country". Micheal was originally from Bodmin moor and gained the Southcott estate from the Oliver De Chambernon in 1242, whose family had been granted the estate after the Norman conquest.[2][3][4]
Sir Nicholas's son, John Southcott Esq of Bovey Tracey (1481–1556), in 1544, following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, was granted Indio. At the time he was steward to Thomas Cromwell which led to him obtaining several monastic holdings in Devonshire on favourable terms.[5] A document in connection with the Dissolution accounts refers to "Rent of a messuage in Yondyeo leased on 15 July 1531 to John Southcote, his wife Joan and Johns's heirs for ever, 26s 8d". He was also made Clerk of the Peace for Devon.[6][7][1] In 1547 he was elected as MP of Lostwithiel, making him a prominent politician in Cornwall. During Edward VI's reforms to religion in Cornwall, part of the English Reformation and the Tudors' deconstruction of Cornish national identity, he was a participant and supporter of the Prayer Book Rebellion in Cornwall and Devon. After the rebellion was crushed by Edward Seymour, 1st Duke of Somerset's army, John Southcote was not hanged and a few years later he was granted a general pardon by Edward VI and continued to sit in Parliament.[8]
Sir Nicholas's second son William Southcott Esq of Chudleigh (b.1485) had a son also called John, of Witham (1510–1585). He became a senior English judge and politician, becoming later Lord of the Manor of Witham, in Essex.[9] He was noted to be a proud Catholic and supporter of his uncle's involvement in the Prayer Book Rebellion and later resigned his office rather than condemn a Catholic priest publicly.[10][11]
Following the battle, an island which was defended by the Royalists was named Southcott Island in honour of the commander.
Thomas Southcot died in 1657, never witnessing the restoration of the monarchy in 1661. King Charles II did recognise Thomas's tremendous loyalty by awarding his only son George Southcote (1629–1663) with the title of Baronet of Bliborough.
Thomas Southcote MP of Bovey Tracey, Mohuns Ottery, Stoke Fleming and Shillingford (1528–1600) was appointed Sheriff of Devon on the 23rd November 1558 and the 13th November 1570.
Sir George Southcote MP of Blyborough, Shillingford, Stoke Fleming and Withycombe (1572–1638) was appointed Sheriff of Devon on the 11th November 1616.
George Southcott Esq of Buckland was appointed Sheriff of Devon on the 12th November 1652.
An Teylu Sothdyji Pysadow ADHEW Ollgallosek, Gwitha war a'gan gen bro ha gen mor. Yn-huvel ny a'th pys a gidya'agan salowen dh'agan porthys. Benyga'gan porthys may I martesen salow dh'agan dehweles. Res agan gorholyon bos pals ha 'gan porthys soweni. Re'th gras. Amen
English
The Southcott Family Prayer ALMIGHTY Father, watch over us, by land and by sea. We humbly beseech thee to guide us safely to our harbours. Bless our harbours; so that they may be safe for our return. May our ships be plentiful and our harbours prosper. By your grace. Amen
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