Please Contact Us at: doreen@cleggett.fsnet.co.uk

Welcome. In common with many today, a feeling of belonging or social context can be sought through the study of our ancestors. Arguably, it would be difficult to ascertain just who we are without an understanding of who we once were. We are lucky in the sense that we belong to one of those "unique" family surname groups. This however cannot be held as an indisputable fact. A few years ago, we began searching the internet in the inherently misguided belief that all Cleggetts must be related. It quickly became apparent that there are many thousands of us in just about every corner of the globe.

It is our intention to collect as much information as possible on Cleggett families regardless of genetic ties. Of course, my sons and I are determined to unravel our own particular familial descent but equally, we want to know more about the surname itself. Cleggett, Clackett, Clegit, Claygate, what does it mean? Claygate is a name given to at least two places ( Kent and Surrey) and indeed, a land ownership document known as a "feet of fines" brings forward one individual from as far back as 1172. Richard De La Claygate turned out to be a tax-collecting shire-reeve for the feudal king of Norman descent. A recent trawl of the genealogy site of the Church of Latter day saints revealed Cleggetts as far back as the 16th Century from Claygate in Kent.

Clegg means horsefly in the old Norse tongue. Mr D.Cleggett of Leeds Castle fame and an esteemed author was kind enough to furnish me with a Cleggett coat of Arms. A trawl through the internet reveals Cleggetts who fought in the American Civil War, the English Civil War, the First and Second World Wars. One Paula Cleggett works for Nasa and another for the Birmingham magazine in Alabama. There are Cleggetts of all creeds and colours.

Frank Cleggett is the Author of a fantastic book on the Australian Cleggetts (also from Kent) who were pioneers in the Mount Barker area. The township of Kent was founded by a Cleggett and Australia even has streets named Cleggett. How does all this fit together? Will it? We invite all Cleggetts/Clacketts etc to help. Our ultimate aim is to publish a book and your input is welcomed with open arms.

My family come from Bearsted and Maidstone in Kent, England. I am in the process of gathering known facts and will post them here when I have them. For now, please log on and leave your contribution to the journey or if you like, call me on 07944 179499. Merry Christmas to you all. Regards, Simon.

Please Contact Us at: doreen@cleggett.fsnet.co.uk

This site was created by Sam Cleggett.

If you wish to create a website, then e-mail me at: samenella13@mindless.com and i'll see what i can do for you.