Di Clements Genealogy
Our Somerset genealogist Di Clements (since retired) came highly recommend to us by the Percy-Piercy family history society. She is one of England's most respected genealogists and the fact that the London College of Arms in 2 years found nothing incorrect (only another person in an unconnected town in 1670 - see "Pilgrimage for the Truth") with her research is a testament to her diligence and professional integrity. When reading Di's notes please consider the following:
- That by far the predominant "Percy" name in the 17th and 18th centuries in Somerset was spelt "Pursey" in the records. Census takers were usually uneducated and recorded phonetically.
- That regarding our John Purse/y who Di could not find where he came from, we believe and put a strong case to Garter backed by genealogical reasoning, that our John could well be the John Percy brother of Alan Percy of Beverley "said to be de jure 12th Earl of Northumberland" (table III chart) with no male issue. As the next in line John Percy could have fled to Taunton in fear of his life to be near his cousins the Gunpowder Plotter's son Robert and his (and our) Taunton St. Mary Magdalene family. My mentor in England, Brian Piercy, Percy-Piercy Family History Society, has instructed me on fleeing Percys "where better to hide a tree than in a forest, and where better to hide a Percy than in a forest of Purseys."
As a family we wish Di a rewarding and well earned retirement.