Possibly the earliest place where Scottings (Scotyns) are found in the historical records.
First mentioned in the will of Peter Scotyn of Downham Market in February 1467
The residue of all my goods I give and bequeath to John Scotyn of Castleacre.
We can’t trace a direct line to any further descendants, however in 1525 we can find several generations of Scottings in Castle Acre, starting with Henry Scotting (?-1525). It wouldn’t be too much of a stretch of imagination to see these as related to John Scotyn.
The evidence we have for the Castle Acre Scottings is contained in four wills, those of-
- Henry Scotting (?-1525) Father
- John Scotting (?-1560) Son
- John Scottine (?-1570) Grandson
- John Scottinge (?-1588) Grandson
There are several properties that we can see passing down the generations through wills that allow us to make some of the familial connections.
- Redes
- Joylles
Descendant Chart for Henry Scotting (-1525)
The first will is that of Henry Scotting of Castleacre written on the 4th November 1525.
He asks that his body be buried in the chapel of our blessed lady in the parish church-St James of Castleacre.
He leaves his house, called Redes with lands and appurtenances to his wife Agnes. After her death the house is to go to his son William and his heirs.
Another house in Batystrete called Colyns is left to his son William and Daughter Mary.
His “stone house” called Smythes to Elin Scotting and Agnes his daughters.
A fourth house and lands called Jullis to John his son and his heirs.
This gives us a lot of information about the family including the names of Henry’s wife and five children. He was also clearly wealthy with these four houses some with land, and the following houses and land as well.
Two houses in Newton (nearby village)-Grauntes and Wagslams.
Lands in East Lane six Acres, and lands in South Croefeldes one and a half acres.
Several closes totalling around seven acres.
Finally he names William Scotting his brother as one of his executors alongside his wife and son William.
St James Church, Castle Acre
Picture by www.TourNorfolk.co.uk