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The Mortimers of Wiltshire

Introduction to the Mortimer family tree in Wiltshire

Origins of the Mortimers in Wiltshire

The Mortimers were present in Wiltshire from an early date, as attested by the record of William Mortimer, who in a lease dated 1472 was mentioned as an executor of the will of William Giles deceased, with Edith his widow. Estimating William Mortimer’s age is difficult given the sparse records but he was presumably born before about 1445. For William Mortimer to have been named an executor alongside William Giles’ wife, he was perhaps related through marriage.

The Mortimer family in Wiltshire was presumably related to the above William Mortimer. A branch of the family settled in the Avebury area. Their earliest record may be in the 16th century. In 1545, there were several Mortimers recorded in the lay subsidy rolls, which record the amount of tax paid by each individual. The rate of taxation in this subsidy was 10d. in the pound on the value of moveable goods. Andrew Mortimer of Kennett paid 13s. 4d., William Mortimer of Rokeridge (Lockeridge) paid 6s. 4d. Andrew and William Mortimer were perhaps brothers.

The Mortimers also feature in some of the earliest probate records from Wiltshire. A John Mortimer, of West Overton, made a will in 1561, appointing his wife Joan and son William executors. He mentioned a daughter Agnes, and children Alice, Julian and William who were under the age of 18. A William Mortimer of Bishops Cannings made a will in 1560, presumably different to the above William of Lockeridge. His will only mentions his wife Edith and their unborn child.

Andrew Mortimer’s branch of the family became were listed as armigerous in the Visitation of Wiltshire in 1623. The pedigree given in the Visitation does not trace the family any further back than Andrew, but the Mortimers would already have settled in the Avebury area by the time Andrew Mortimer was born, as shown by the 16th century Wiltshire lay subsidies and wills.

An early branch of the Mortimer near Amesbury is also worth attention. Philip Mortimer was recorded in the 1545 subsidy in the Hundred of Ambresbury, under division for the hamlets of Alton, Cholston & Ablyngton. He may have had children who continued the family line in this area of Wiltshire.