JACOBS OF DOVER

PEDIGREE OF DESCENDANTS OF
HUGH JACOB OF DOVER
(died in 1558)

by Kenneth Jacob

There were Jacobs living in and in the vicinity of Dover long before the commencement of this pedigree, since the 13th century in fact. I believe that some of these were ancestors of this family, others may not have been. Dover was a melting pot in every sense of the word - culturally, ethnically, commercially - it was the gateway to the continent of Europe, and certainly from at least the 17th century onwards - if not earlier - there were demonstrably unrelated families of the name of Jacob living there.

What follows is based on some of the material accumulated over many years. I have not managed to find all the typescripts that are relevant, but no doubt will do so given time. I will add to this pedigree in due course. I start by giving a few references to those whose names occurred at an earlier date.

We have a number of Jacobs mentioned in various parishes in Dover Court Rolls. A Thomas Jacob, for example, appeared in court in the parish of Bunting on 21st November 1434-5. In the parish of Fantyng we have a William Jacob mentioned (Court Roll, NA, SC2, 180/51). I have not had time to compare the names of these parishes with their modern equivalents.

The Lay Subsidies for Kent give further references. We find Laurence Jacob assessed in 1434-1435 as a Baron of the Cinque Port of Dover for goods and chattels he owned in the Hundred of Ringslow in the Isle of Thanet (NA, E179,226/88). We find already in 1341 John Jacob and the widow of William Jacob, both of Dover, holding property in the 100 of Ringslow (NA, Lay Subsidy for Cinque Ports, Exemption for the barons of the Ports to the 9th, NA, E179, 123/18).

An important name in this period is that of William Jacob. He had been chamberlain and jurat of Dover. His will is dated 27th March 1481, probate being granted on 13th December of that year. He had a wife Alice, but apparently no male heirs. His name occurs frequently in documents in the period 1444-1475, especially in the chamberlain accounts. He is described as a jurate of Bolenward in 1461, and chamberlain of Dover in 1473 (Dover Charters and other Documents by S P H Statham), and is almost certainly the same man who was assessed as a freeman of the Cinque Port of Dover for chattels in the 100 of Bewsborough, in the parish of Hougham abutting Dover. He was also a collector of taxes in St Mary Ward in 1476-7 (BL, Egerton MS 2090).

Members of the Jacob family of Dover may well have held land in Calais, many Dover inhabitants did. We find a John Jacob being granted an inn formerly owned by Giles le Brasseur in Calais in 1347 (Patent Roll). At a later date, in 1428, a Robert Jacob was a juror on the Inquisition Post Mortem held for Thomas Earl of Salisbury for property he held in Calais. Similarly a Hugh Jakes was a juror on another inquisition. The names Robert and Hugh occur in the family subsequently. But this is pure speculation at this stage.

HUGH JACOB OF DOVER (died 1558)
Ship-owner and Pilot
Freeman of the Cinque Port of Dover

Hugh's wife was named Ellen; we don't know her maiden name. The names of their children are taken from Hugh's will:

His wife Ellen was buried at St Mary's church, Dover on 9th August 1559 (St Mary's Register)

Hugh's will was written on 7th March 1 Elizabeth (1559) (sic), and proven on 16th March 1558. In it he describes himself as 'ship-owner and pilot'. He wills to be buried in the parish of St James, Dover and ordains his wife to be his executrix. He bequeaths her all he has in lands, tenements and movables. After her decease he gives the house in which he dwells to Hugh Jacob, his youngest son, he paying to John Jacob his eldest son 40s out of it, as also the same amount to Robert Jacob his 'middle son' . If Hugh dies without heirs he wishes the house to remain to Robert Jacob, he paying to John his son £4. To his three daughters, Elizabeth, Margery and Margaret he leaves his 'little house' standing at the back side with the grounds etc to be equally distributed among them. If any of them die before his wife without having children, then to be equally distributed between the survivors. After his wife's decease he ordains all her movables to be equally divided between all his children. He appoints Thomas Burnell, jurat and Edmond Hawke, ship-owner, to be his overseers. The will was written by Thomas Clark, jurat of the parish of St James. Probate was granted on 16th March 1558 (Centre for Kentish Studies, Maidstone, PRC 32/27 f383)

He was a seafarer, actively engaged in carrying cargo and passengers across the channel and more than likely further afield. He was also a pilot, which was and is a responsible position, with sound knowledge of the waters around that part of the Kent coast. We have examples of voyages he made. The Anne Fortune, of which he was master, carried freight of 7 horses for 28d, and gathered a load by William Hewitt on 10th June 1525 (British Library, Add Ms 28035). Then again, on 2nd May 1526, he is homeward bound with 9 Easterlings and other merchants aboard, and 30 pilgrims from St James's (Calendar of Private Letters of Henry VIII).

The Anne Fortune is a vessel with which he is much associated, but I don't know whether he owned her. Others are named as master of her, Thomas Barbour's name occurs for a period in the same year (Dover Ferry Accounts, British Library, Additional Manuscript 28035). Hugh is described as the owner of a vessel of 24 tons upwards in 1550 (British Library, Proceedings of the Court of Lodemanage, Egerton Manuscript 2118).

He is mentioned in many records. He was, for example, one of the two executors of the will of Thomas Cory in c1549 (Dover Plea Books).

He was a freeman of the Cinque Port of Dover. References are numerous in the period 7th June 1551 to 1556, as indeed on many other occasions (British Library, Egerton Manuscripts 2094). He was a jurat of Dover, named as such in 1550 (Dover Corporation Accounts).

He was commended by Thomas Warren, mayor of Dover, along with others on 4th July 1550, for carrying to Boloigne and Calais goods etc in the wars, with risk of great loss to body and goods (NA,, E122/222/73).

The line continues with Robert, his son, but first we will briefly look at his other two children

Of John, his youngest son, mentioned in Hugh's will, I have as yet discovered only that a John Jacob paid the churchwardens of St Mary Parish in Dover for the priest's wages.

As far as Hugh's youngest son is concerned, we have few references to him. He is named as a freeman of the port of Dover in the Dover Corporation records. Administration of his goods was granted to Joan Jacob alias Andrews his widow on 12th March 1576 (Centre for Kentish Studies, Maidstone, PRC 22/7f 142)

Robert's wife was named Alice. She was granted administration of his goods. He died young, yet had at least three children:

Of George I know nothing more at this stage. There was, however, a George Gookyn who held land at Ripple, near Dover, who just may be this man. The name Jakyn was a variant spelling of Jacob in 13th and 14th centuries, and occurs as such in Dover. This needs to be investigated, especially as later generations of this family held land at Ripple. The name Gookin also offers a clue for those who wish to establish a link between the Dover Jacobs and those of Virginia in the 17th century.

Robert was a mariner like his father before him. Whether he inherited the ship his father had owned is not clear. It was not mentioned in his father's will, but may of course have been given him, or indeed his brothers, before his father died. He is described as a mariner together with his father in 1550 (British Library, Egerton Manuscript 2118). He is assessed in the Dover Corporation accounts as a commoner and freeman together with Hugh (his brother of father) and John, presumably his brother, in the period 1553-1556.

After his death his goods were appraised at 5d in the pound on 15th January, the entry dated September 1563-4. The amount paid was 5s (British Library, Extracts of Dover Corporation Accounts, Additional Manuscript 29621). At some stage the full Dover Corporation Records need to be consulted, as we are dealing largely with those, important as they are, that are in the British Library.

There is a Richard Jacob who is frequently mentioned in this period, described as a foreigner (ie not a freeman of the port), but I have not yet been able to place him with this family, if indeed he was a member of it. Yet the same man was a jurat of the town as on 23rd August 1551 (British Library Proceedings of the Common Council of Dover, Egerton Manuscript 2094). Possibly this is the Richard who was a purchaser of wool at Calais 29th September 1539 (Correspondence of Henry VIII). A Richard Jacob is also described as an archer of Calais (ibid) in 1540. It is not unlikely that this family held land in both Dover and Calais, as a good many Dover folk did. We know of a grant made at Calais on 8th October 1347, whereby a John Jacob (possibly of Dover) was granted an inn late of Giles le Brassur in the town of Calais (Patent Rolls). A Richard Jacob married an Alice Woodward at St Mary's church, Dover, on 11th June 1558 (Church Register)

JOHN JACOB (1560- died 1628)
Pilot and Mariner
Chamberlain of Dover, Jurat
Freeman of the Cinque Ports

The approximate date of his birth is supplied by the pedigree registered with the College of Arms. John married Joan , the daughter of William Lucas. I suspect, however, that this was his second marriage. The parish register of St Mary's church, Dover, show a marriage between a John Jacob and Elizabeth Challice in November 1585 at St Mary's church, Dover. Property called Challice's was in the Jacob family in the early and later 17th century. A marriage licence was granted to John Jacob of St Mary's parish in over and Joan Lucas on 22nd January 1587.

There is reference in his will to a daughter Joan, but I have not found her name in the Dover parish registers. Perhaps I should look in London registers.

He was buried on 12th March 1628, the burial register describing him as a mariner (Register of St Mary's church, Dover).

His will was dated 4th March 1627, probate granted on 21st August 1628 (Centre for Kentish Studies, PRC 31/92). He had accumulated much property in Dover, as his will demonstrates. The will, of which I have a photocopy, as indeed of most of the other wills, is the original will. The writing is rather poor and a little difficult to read. He dispenses with the usual religious preamble. He wills to his son John the house at the town (?) with the kitchen belonging to it and garden also. He wills that his son shall give Rowland Ingram the sum of £10, and also that he gives his wife £10. He gives his wife the house that Godman (?) lives in for the term of her live and after her decease this is to go to his son Thomas. Also to his son Thomas the house that adjoins (?)….To his son Richard the house that Thomas Parnall lives in and the (?) belonging to it. He wills him to give Mary Ingram £10 if she comes of age. To his daughter Joan he gives the house that she lives in and the house that Ralph Peann (?) lives in with the little house belonging to it and to give Elizabeth Ingram £10 if she comes to the age of 20 and to be loving to her. To his daughter Elizabeth he wills the house that Hugh the shoemaker lives in. He wills to the poor of St Mary's 30s and the poor of St James's 30s. Also to his wife the house that is under the cliff. Also his wife and son John to be his executors. The will was signed by his son Richard, John probably being to infirm to sign it. In a codicil he wills that his son Thomas shall give John Ingram £20 at the age of 20 years. Also that each of his sons and daughters give to his wife £3 rent yearly during her live. Also to his son John the new house that is yet unfinished. The witnesses were Joan Jacob and Elizabeth Jacob. Probate was granted to his wife Joan.

In 1601 he was fined 12d for his disobedience, not appearing before the court of Lodemanage, having been warned to do so (British Library, Egerton 2118). This was not an infrequent occurrence and he was fined on a number of occasions for various misdemeanors.

In 1605 he was ordered to pay a debt of 7s to Batholemew Smith, which he had refused to do (British Library, Egerton Manuscript 2118)

An examination of a John Jacob, mariner took place. He who brought A H from Calais, would have brought another Englishman described, but the man would not come with him, because he talked with Captain Turner, who was known in Calais to be a spy of the English Government. Dated at the Serjeant's Inn Dover, 24th March 1606. This must surely relate to this John and shows him being in the service, if unofficially, of the English Government.

He was a member of a jury appointed by the Master and Fellowship of Trinity house in 1609 (British Library, Egerton Manuscript 2118) In the same year a complaint was made against him for refusing a tourne (turn). He was fined 10s which he paid. He is described as a pilot, like his grandfather before him.

On 20th May 1614, Michael Smith, merchant, and John Jacob, mariner, were granted a special pardon for piracy. This could relate to this John or his son. Mariners of the Cinque Ports from early days inclined to what was tantamount to piracy in the English channel (Patent Roll).

In 1614 he is named as chamberlain of Dover (British Library, Manuscript Book of John Philpott of Dover, Egerton Manuscript 2120).

On 25th July 1615 he was a commoner attending the General Brotherhood of the Cinque Ports at New Romney on behalf of the Cinque Port of Dover (Black and White Books of the Cinque Ports)

In 1617 in a Muster Book of Dover (British Library, Egerton Manuscript 2110), described as John Jacob the elder, sailor, of Southpiece ward. He is named again in these musters in 1618 and 1619. In 1619 we find an Elizabeth Jacob, widow in St Mary's ward mentioned.

In 1617 a John Jacob was given a pass to travel for three years (Acts of the Privy Council). This may well relate to this John, his son John or to John Jacob, the son of Abraham Jacob of Bromley-By-Bow.

Either he or his son John were paid 2s 6d in 1618 for bringing bedsteads etc from London to Dover, for wharfage and bringing them to the almshouse of Dover (British Library, Register of Dover Almshouse)

Either he or his son John was assessed as a freeman of the Cinque Port of Dover, together with three others, on 19th February 22 James I (1625) in a Lay Subsidy for land he held in Minster in Isle of Sheppey; this at 43s 6d (National Archives, E 179, 233/363). It would have been useful for him to own land in Sheppey, as it is a half-way staging post sailing between Dover and London. There were a great many Jacobs in Minster and elsewhere in Sheppey from the early 16th century onwards. Possibly they are of the same family. Yet this land was not disposed of in his will. Perhaps he no longer owned it by then.

He undoubtedly sailed to London and we find as early as 1596-7 a John Jacob, master of a barque of London, dwelling in Dover, making claim to a certain cable which is in the Scotsman's ship and was taken from him together with certain other goods by a man of war of Dunkirke. I am confident this family had London connections, owned property in London, and that some of them may have settled there permanently (Acts of the Privy Councils).

Of his other children, nothing is known as yet. Ferdinandos was probably named such due to the business he did with Spain, either as a carrier or merchant. I will next look at Thomas (died 1615), Thomas and Richard, sons of John (1560-1628), before continuing the main line through John his son.

There was a Thomas of Dover who according to the Register of Freeman died in 1615. He was of St James's parish, Dover and his widow Sara was administrator of his goods and chattels on 1st August 1616; value of these was £12-9-4. Thomas died in London (Centre for Kentish Studies, Maidstone, 20/34/1).

He probably resided in London as well as Dover. I cannot, however, as yet place this Thomas in the pedigree. He would appear to have had children Alice and Robert, both baptized at St James's church, Dover in 1596 and 1598 respectively.

In 1601 he was presented at the court of Lodemanage for a fine. He had made a bargain with 'one that came ashore at Dover for a pilot for Flusing, Yarmouth or London. He bargained with him ashore for Flushing, but when he came aboard the ship and finding the wind contrary, made a new bargain and went with the ship to London, so that wee the jury have found it James Cooke's tourne and Thomas Jacob hath paid him the third penny according to the orders of the fellowship' (British Library, Egerton Manuscript 2118).

Thomas Walker, in a letter dated 31st May 1613 to the Earl of Northampton (?) states that Thomas Jacob, mariner of Dover, came from Newhaven in France on Friday last, and informed him that a ship belonging to the Governor of that place, and to the Governor of Honfleur, returning from Peru, richly laden, having by extremety of weather spent her masts driving at sea, being met by a Scotsman, was by him relieved and carried to Cork, and was there - after satisfaction to the Scotsman, arrested by the officers of that place, and is there yet detained. The Governor without delay attached Thomas and would not enlarge him without giving security in 600 crowns to return in 6 weeks and bade him tell his correspondent that he would stay all English, Scottish and Irish ships arriving there, until the French ship be released, and further directed him to deliver the enclosed letter, which was intended to be directed to your Lordship. Dover Castle 25th May 1613. (Calendar of State Papers)

He was chosen one of the wardens and assistants of the master of Dover harbour (British Library, Egerton Manuscript 2118). On 8th July 1608 he was appointed a warden of the court of Lodemanage (British Library, Egerton Manuscript 2118).

This Thomas referred to is presumably John's son, and was baptized on 13th January 1600. When he died is unclear.

On 20th August 1630 he was involved at night in Dover in a drunken brawl, fuelled by drink. Times have not changed in Dover or elsewhere for that matter.

On 15th November 1633 he petitions the Lords of the Admiralty that he may be appointed boatswain in the Nonsuch, having served as quarter master in the Mary Rose, and as master's mate in the Second Lion's Whelp (Calendar of State Papers - Domestic). In 1635 he again petitions the crown for a new position in Royal Navy (Calendar of State Papers-Domestic).

Perhaps he is the same man who in the 1650s vied for a place as boatswain in a vessel of the Royal Navy, seeking preference and improvement. It is stated on 7th February 1655 that he was seeking a boatswain's place in a third rate frigate, having served 8 years as master of the Greyhound and boatswain's mate on the Triumph and Tiger. There are numerous references to him (Calendar of State Papers-Domestic).

He was baptized on 13th November 1602 and died in 1678. There are two entries for his marriage to Katherine Barret among the Canterbury Marriage Licenses. Described as being ca 23 years old, the daughter of Robert Garret, deceased, she and Richard were both of St Mary's parish, Dover. The one entry is dated 13th April 1626, the other 22nd December of the same year. However, his will gives his wife's name as Joan, so he must have remarried or there are two diferent Richards involved.

Presumably he did marry twice as 'Joan, the wife of Captain Richard Jacob was buried on 30th January 1667 at St James's church, Dover.' In his will he appoints his 'loving brother' Mr William Stratfold one of the three executors. We also find Sir Abraham Jacob being referred to as the son-in-law of William Stratfold the elder in that man's will, Sir Abraham being a nephew of Richard Jacob.

His will was dated 1st June 1678. He gives his son Robert the house in which he lives, together with the three small tenements, all occupied, being of a harbour lease. Also to him the five small tenements that he bought of his cousin Hide, all occupied and under one harbour lease. He further leaves his son his house in Sandwich, an inn called 'The Starr', occupied by Thomas Sandome, two messuages, one occupied, under one harbour lease, his house and herring hang, also under one harbour lease. Various household items are also bequeathed `to him, some described, such as a cypress chest which is in his chamber.

To his daughter Anne he leave £350. His daughter Joan is mentioned. His daughter Saunders is to have her dwelling in the house that Nicholas Petison dwells in, paying one third of the harbour rent. He wants Anne and Joan his daughters to have their dwelling in the house that Thomas Noye lives in, without paying any rent as long as they are unmarried, but paying one third of the harbour rent. His son Robert is mentioned.

He has a lease in the Isle of Thanet that is mortgaged, which he gives to his four married daughters Elizabeth Stevens, Katherine Saunders, Mary Kenton and Margaret Peters to be equally divided between them. All household stuff not yet bequeathed to be equally divided between his 6 daughters. All the rest of his goods, debts and shipping he leaves to his son Robert whom he makes executor of his will. He desires his loving friend Sir Arnold Braems, his cousin Mr Abraham Jacob and his loving brother Mr William Stratfold to be his overseers.

He was mayor of Dover in 1662, 1672 and 1673. I will shortly refine these dates, as mayoral years extended over two calendar years.

He was admitted as a freeman of Dover on 22nd February 1627, by birth, described as the son of John Jacob, mariner (Freemen register).

He was fined for not holding common council meetings and criticized for ignoring the customs of the town on many occasions.

He was part owner of a vessel of Dover called the 'Holdfast', of 35 tons burden, as also its master (Calendar of State Papers - Domestic Series)

He acted in an official capacity on many occasions as far as the Court of Lodemanage was concerned (British Library, Egerton Manuscript 2118)

He appears to have sailed to Spain in 1635 (British Library, Egerton Manuscript 2118)

On 20th January 1647 he and others of Dover, all mariners and jurats were enfeoffed of 18 acres of land in Northbourne, in Kent. (British Library, Egerton Manuscript 2118)

On 4th July 1651 it is stated that he was indemnified as having deserted the revolted ships before they went to Holland on 31st August 1648.

His sympathies must have lain with Parliament, or he knew at the time which way the wind was blowing (HMSO, Committee for the Advance of Money). It is amusing therefore to see that when King Charles II arrived back in the kingdom, landing at Dover, he was welcomed by Captain Richard Jacob and his band of men (Patent Roll). There is a painting of this event, a print of which is shown, but as the painting was painted some time after the event, the likeness can hardly be true. I know that these Jacobs had portraits painted. I have tracked down many of my family over the years, and perhaps given time I may be successful as far as the Dover Jacobs are concerned. Various sources state that it was General Monk who welcomed the King; perhaps that is him kneeling before Charles, and one of the men behind him is Captain Richard Jacob.

In September 1662-3 a Captain Jacobs (sic) was paid 5s for drums at the pier, presumably to celebrate or drum in a particular occasion or person (British Library, Dover Corporation Accounts, Additional Manuscript 29621)

A Captain Jacobs is referred to as Master of the Trinity House at Dover, which must relate to him on 22nd March 1672 (Calendar of State Papers).

He was mayor in 1674 and appointed auditor of the accounts of the common council of Dover, as well as of those of the chamberlains, and of the master and wardens of the almshouse and of the treasurer of the harbour droits (British Library, Proceedings of the common council, Additional Manuscript 28037).

He is stated to have been mayor in 1675 and was ordered that he show cause why he did not assemble summon a quarterly common council in the two years he has been mayor and why he should not be fined for this (ibid). The year of this mayoralty does not tie in with other sources.

JOHN JACOB (1588-1645)
Serjeant to the Admiralty of the Cinque Ports
Jurat of Dover
Merchant and Mariner

He married Alice Golder on 18th September 1625 (St Mary's Parish Register). In the marriage allegation he is described as a mariner and widower, aged about 35 years, and Alice as the daughter of John Golder, jurat, aged 24 years (Canterbury Marriage Allegations). I do not know the name of his first wife.

John and his father appear many times in various Dover records, for example the court of Lodemanage in the period 1618-1624 (British Library, Egerton Manuscript 2118). He was a jurat of Dover, but not its mayor. In the period 1613-1616 he attended many common council meetings (British Library, Additional Manuscript 28036).

An incident that occurred on 22nd September 1613 shows he was perhaps a little head-strong. Described as John Jacob the younger, he and two others at 7 o'clock in the evening came to the house of Thomas Jones, his door being shut. They threw a pale against the door and Thomas's wife opened it. They proceeded to attack Thomas etc. (British Library, Additional Manuscript 28036).

It was either he or his father to whom was granted a pass to travel for three years on 8th October 1617 (Acts of Privy Council). He was certainly involved in many voyages overseas, both as a carrier of goods and men, as also as a merchant in his own right, described as such when as a bondor for a marriage license in 1634 (Canterbury Marriage Licences). He also became involved in serving the Crown, as the Calendar of State Papers of 1st July 1620 state that a warrant for payment of 200 marks was issued to John Jacob, going beyond seas on the King's special service.

A letter dated at Dover Castle 6th January 1627 states was obliged to take John Jacob, one of Sir Henry Mervyn's men, to go with Pennington, for the men of Dover would not go (Calendar of State Papers - Domestic Series). Sir Henry Mervyn was an Admiral in the Royal Navy - Admiral of the Narrow Seas, presumably the Channel. Shortly thereafter we read that John Jacob is willing to deal with Dick Williams for the serjeant's place, if he can get Cannon out. Has made no price to him, but Williams leaves it to Hippisley and Nicholas (Calendar of State Papers-Domestic Series). On 24th February we read a proposal for John Jacob to succeed Cannon on certain payments. On 6th April Sir John Hippesley writes to Nicholas: Jacob will give no more than £200. Has persuaded him to come to Nicholas. Petition of the honest men who have lent Canon money. Solicits answers to his former letters.

On 7th April 1627 from Dover Castle Sir John Hippesley writes to Nicholas: Jacob offered Mrs Cannon £230; she says there is one who will give £500. It is not worth half the money, but Mrs Canon makes my 'lady Duchess' believe it. Urges for a reply to the points in his letter of this date to the Duke……

He must have been appointed in the interim, as Sir John Hippelsey wrote to Jacob on 10th April 1627, as serjeant of the admiralty of the Cinque Ports, authorizing him to go out to the channel of Dover and bring in all the ships found riding there.

He was patently a courageous man, as references to him have shown. Again, a letter written at Dover Castle on 28th July 1635 states John Jacob recommended as a man of known valour and 'well experiences in such affairs (Calendar of State Papers).

On 22nd June 1646, his widow Alice compounds for the delinquency of her husband to Parliament (Committee for Advance of Money). She stated that for special service to the King, in a sudden tempest at his return from Spain, was taken into his King's majesty's service and went three years ago to Oxford, and there continued till 15 months since, when, intending to go to sea on a merchant's affairs in a ship of Bristol, he died there. He was never in arms against Parliament. She has no means to support herself and 6 children, and has had nothing from her husband's estate since his death.

This is patently a different story to the one we have read elsewhere, that he valiantly died at the battle of Bristol, but then perhaps she did not want to dwell on this point, given that she had to deal with Cromwell's Parliament then. It is interesting to note that he did business in Spain, possibly also Portugal, for we find at least one other member of this family living in Lisbon. I suspect this business commenced during his father's life time, as a brother of John's was named Ferdinandos.

A deposition made by John Goring Esquire, mayor of Bristol in 1646 states that.... Captain Jacob was a man of about 55 years of age, of a middle stature, a square well set man, with some pockholes in his face, which Captain Jacob was then an officer (belonging to the Admiralty or Trinity House in Dover, with whom this deponent had to do)... and this deponent further saith that the said Captain Jacob then dwellt at the corner house over against the old brook...He was master of the Peter Frigatt by the employment of Colonel Roydon, and was buried in St Stephen Church, Bristol, on 28th day of May 1645 (Bristol Depositions 126/7)

John (1588-1645) had four sons. Of the first, John, we know nothing at this stage. It is speculated that it was he who settled in Virginia, and was ancestor of the Jacob family of Virginia.

His original will is deposited in the Centre for Kentish Studies in Canterbury (Centre for Kentish Studies, Deedes MSS, W/1); it is dated 1663. In it he is described as an English merchant, son of John Jacob deceased, gentleman, of Dover and now residing in the city of Lisbon, Portugal. He makes his brother Abraham sole executor of his will. He names three sisters and a cousin John Jacob. He grants his lands in Ringwould, not that far from Dover, to Abraham. The will has a seal attached, bearing the arms of the Dover Jacobs. These arms were used frequently on this family's seals.

Sir ABRAHAM JACOB, knight (ca 1630-1706)
Keeper of Walmer Castle
Merchant and Banker

Either this Abraham or more likely his son of the same name would appear to have been admitted as a freeman of Dover by birth on 14th August 1674 (Dover Freemen Rolls). We find another entry in 1684 for Sir Abraham Jacob, knight, who was admitted as a freeman.

He married Dorothy, the daughter of James Herbert of London, merchant, and had three sons and five daughters. The marriage license describes him as a merchant banker of Islington, in London. She died and was buried at St Mary's Dover on 4th March 1702. Sir Abraham died on 27th August and was buried at the same church on 31st August 1706.

I have so far only identified six of their children. His daughters Mary and Jane both died spinsters and lived on his son's Herbert's estate at Hackington, in Canterbury. Of Abraham I have not discovered any information as yet.

On his marriage he released the manor of Ripple to John Herbert of St Clement Danes, London, brother of his intended wife Dorothy, as part of a marriage settlement. I have not recently inspected the deed to see what the precise terms of this settlement were, but the manor would appear to have been vested in his son Herbert after his parents death.

In his will William Stratfold, the elder, of Dover makes a bequest to his son in law Sir Abraham Jacob and his wife…. 8th October 1683 (Abstract of Comm wills of Canterbury). It would appear he married twice.

On 7th June 1683 he was granted during pleasure the office of Captain or keeper of Walmer Castle at a fee of £20 per year, dated at Windsor 7th June 1683 (Calendar of State Papers). On 17th June he was knighted.

Sir Abraham Jacob and Richard Bresson were two of the Assistants of Dover Harbour, 25th March 1689 (British Library, Additional Manuscript 28037).

A document in the National Archives dated 1672/3 shows that he, his brother Robert and others were co-owners of the vessel the 'Dover Friggatt',a privateering vessel (NA: HCA 25-9/10). His cousin Richard Jacob had also been co-owner of a vessel called the 'Prosperous' (NA: HCA 25-9/10). I am indebted for this information to the research done by Richard Brabander, who is currently writing his thesis at Brandeis University on the matter of privateering in the Restoration Period. This document is illustrated below,courtesy of the National Archives, Kew, London.

Edward Hasted in his History of Kent states that Kingsmill Down is a small hamlet in the southern part of the parish in which is a great seat, which formerly belonged to a familty called Beling or Bellin. It afterwards came into the possession of the family of Jacob and Mr Abraham Jacob of Dover purchased it in the reign of George I..

He died on 27th August 1706, aged 76 years. There was a tombstone in St James's church to his memory.

His arms are described as: Or, on a canton gules, an eagle displayed of the field, impaling Herbert (the same as Lord Pembroke's) (The Topographer, Volume 1, 1789, p125). Presumably Dorothy was an heiress.

The son of Sir Abraham Jacob, he resided on his estate of St Stephen's alias Hackington in Canterbury. A barrister, he was called to the bar at the Inner Temple in London.

A copy of his will is in the Deedes Manuscripts. He bequeathed his books to the Inner Temple, a few of which I see are now regrettably in USA libraries. He held lands in Ripple, Ringwould and elsewhere (Centre for Kentish Studies, Canterbury, Deedes Manuscripts, W/3)

He was a son of Captain Richard Jacob (1602-1678). He was born on 2nd July 1647 and was buried on 26th September 1714.

He married Mary de la Pierre alias Peters in 1672, the daughter of Doctor Peter and Susannne de la Pierre of Canterbury, the marriage license dated 22nd August 1672 (Information supplied by the late John Peters, a descendant). They had children:

His will is dated 15th September 1714, probate granted on 4th May 1715. He leaves to his wife Mary all his messuages, tenements and lands whatsoever in Canterbury, Dover and elsewhere in Kent for the term of her life; similarly he leaves her all his chattels on the same basis. After her decease all his lands to go to his two daughters, Katherine Jacob the wife of Captain Peter Omer and Susanna James, equally to be divided between them. He leaves £500 to Robert James, his only grandson, to be paid within three months after her decease. He appoints his wife Mary his sole executrix (Centre for Kentish Studies, PRC 31/185)

He was granted the freedom of the corporation of Dover 9th January 1671, as the son of Richard Jacob.

He was Lieutenant of Dover Castle, whilst his cousin Sir Abraham was Governor of it.

He was first elected a common councilman of Dover on 30th June 1679. He was mayor of Dover in 1685, 1688, 1699, 1711/1712. In his first mayoralty the corporation of Dover decided to revive the decree of 1587, that the common prayers of the Church of England, including the prayers for the King and the Royal family, should be read at the beginning of every council meeting. Possibly he did not concur with this. He was mayor of Dover in 1688, yet we find that at the court of Windsor on 9th September 1688 the King and his Privy Council chose to removed him as mayor and a number of others as jurats of Dover. On Thursday 20th September the jurats met at the Guildhall in Dover and elected Edward Roberts mayor in his stead. On 17th July 1691 He and George Drake were elcted and chosen by the Common council to take their oaths again as jurats.

On 7th November 1683 he was granted a warrant to be gunner in Walmer Castle (Calendar of State Papers).

On 25th March 1684 he and others were appointed Commissioners of Oyer and Terminer for the administration of the Cinque Ports at Dover (Calendar of State Papers). In 1685 the Earl of Sunderland writes to Mr Jacob deputy mayor of Dover 'I have received yours of 22nd with the two passes signed by Lord Melford, notwithstanding which you did very well in stopping the persons to whom they were granted. Dated 23rd June 1685 (Calendar of State Papers).

The Calendar of State Papers state that he gave information against the Captain of Walmer Castle, Abraham Jacob, his cousin (1689, 26th November).

In a letter dated March-April 1697 by him relating to the impressment of seamen, he is described as deputy-Governor of Dover Castle (CKS-NR/CPm).

In 1699 Captain Robert Jacob and Mr Thomas Dawkes were elected jurats of Dover at a common assembly held there 9th June of the year before. They subsequently refused to take their oaths. They were fined £10 for this. This matter dragged on to 1700 and it is noted on 19th August 1700 that both were dismissed by the majority of the common assembly from being commoners or giving any attendance at common councils. The reasons for this were not apparent (British Library, Additional Manuscript 28037). Robert was quite often fined for defaults. However, on 8th January 1740 both were again elected by the assembly to be jurats of the corporation. All must have been forgiven. (British Library, Additional Manuscript 28037).

On 30th March 1685 he and Edward Roberts, represented Dover at a special Guestling held at New Romney in Kent (British Library, Additional Manuscript 28037).

His wife Mary was buried on 26th Juny 1713 at St James's church, Dover. He was buried there on 26th September 1714.

As is apparent by his will, he had no surviving male descendants and so this line of the family died out.

In conclusion: There are still other potential branches of this family to investigate, both from 16th and 17th centuries. Certainly a number of names and partial pedigrees from Dover are available, but I have not yet had the time to connect these with this family.