John Sumner - Thesis that William Somner of Canterbury is not the father or brother of John (of Bridewell) Sumner by Phyllis Gault

It is possible, that John (of Bridewell) Sumner's father was named William Somner. However, this research discounts the possibility that that William Somner of Canterbury, who is the Author of Domesday Antiquities; was the father of John (of Bridewell) Sumner. It, also, demonstrates that William Somner of Canterbury cannot be the brother of John (of Bridewell) Sumner.

William Somner of Canterbury is Neither the Father, nor the Brother of John (of Bridewell) Sumner. By Phyllis Davis Gault

It is possible, that John (of Bridewell) Sumner's father was named William Sumner. However, this research discounts the possibility that that William Somner of Canterbury, who is the Author of Domesday Antiquities; was the father of John (of Bridewell) Sumner. It, also, demonstrates that William Somner of Canterbury cannot be the brother of John (of Bridewell) Sumner.

Preface:
Research supports that, John (of Bridewell) Sumner was brought to Bridewell Hospital, and that he was held there; awaiting transport to Virginia. Bridewell served simultaneously as a Hospital, Prison and a School which operated Apprentice Programs. Bridewell housed vagrants, prostitutes, criminals, orphans and apprenticeship students all in the former Royal Palace. As a result of social pressure, the prison was closed and Bridewell School relocated and evolved into the Current King Edward School. Bridewell Court records do not suggest, that John (of Bridewell) Sumner attended the Apprenticeship school. It appears he was picked up in Langborne Ward, London, England, where he lived, and then he was transported to Bridewell; until he could be transported to Virginia (Early Child Immigrants to Virginia 1619-1642 by Hume, Robert Ph.D. p. 36).

Some state, that William Somner of Canterbury, is likely the father of John (of Bridewell) Sumner. William Somner of Canterbury was a famous Antiquarian, an Ecclesiastical Lawyer and an author of several books, including; the first Anglo-Saxon Dictionary and Domesday Antiquities, which he published in 1640. William Somner of Canterbury’s life is well documented, and while he did have a son named John Somner; his son is lived, died and was buried in England. William Somner of Canterbury, also, had a brother named John Somner, but he lived died and was buried in England.

William Somner of Canterbury was a man means, who began his education at King’s School of Canterbury. This is not King Edward School that evolved from Bridewell Prison. King’s School is a Posh School; that still exists today, and it has operated for over 1400 years. Their Motto is, King’s School, “where you get a King’s Education”. After William Somner finished Kings; he went on to apprentice as an Ecclesiastical Lawyer. William Somner’s father, also named William, was a Lawyer, as well. It is likely that William Senior would have attended the Elite Kings School and that his son William would have carried on the tradition.

However, Bridewell trained it’s Apprentices in trades such as; glove making and weaving. They housed their students with criminals. They forced children to travel to Virginia to serve as indentured servants, basically slaves. It is unlikely, that men of such wealth and social standing would have permitted their heirs to be placed in Bridewell, and then; transported to Virginia as an indentured servant. This is not to take away from John (of Bridewell) Sumner, but instead to commend him for all that he accomplished on his own. Many children did not survive the trip Virginia, or the desperate situations that they were placed in. John (of Bridewell) Sumner overcame his circumstance and he made great accomplishments in his life. He was able to build his own financial success and to gain social standing. John is a hero in his own right.
Contents:

1) Background on Immigration to America:
This section discusses the many reasons why people immigrated to America; this includes voluntary and forced immigration.

2) John (of Bridewell) Sumner: Facts of His Birth and Immigration

3) About Bridewell Hospital, Prison and Apprenticeship School

4) King Edward School, formerly Bridewell

5) King's School of Canterbury

6) Comparison and Contrast of Bridewell Hospital, Prison, School and Kings School of Canterbury:
This section provides information about Bridewell and the transformation that led to the evolution of King Edward School.
There is an in-depth description of the Kings School of Canterbury, as well.

7) Research that is used to support the Theory that William Somner of Canterbury is the Father of John (of Bridewell)

8) William Somner of Canterbury: His Life History
This section contains Research on William Somner of Canterbury and the theory that he is not the father of John (of Bridewell) Sumner. This research does not negate the possibility John (of Bridewell Sumner’s father’s name is William Sumner.

9) Documentation of Familial Relationships for William Somner of Canterbury:

10) Conclusion

1) Background on Immigration to America:

This section discusses the many reasons why people immigrated to America; this includes voluntary and forced immigration.

When most people think of the first American settlers; they commonly reference those who were seeking religious, or political freedom, or they were seeking opportunities to obtain land. After the downfall of Cromwell there was an influx of Puritans and Quakers came. The defeated Royalists also made the voyage. Many came as indentured servants. Their commitment usually lasted for 7 years and the average age upon arrival was around 23 to 30 years old. Those who were seeking land would receive 50 acres each; if they could pay their own passage and another 50 acres for each person whom they brought with them. When indentured servants fulfilled their contract they were well trained at planting tobacco. Small farmers did well until King Charles ruled that tobacco could only be sold to England, then; they could no longer sustain their operations. The New World was desperate to build their labor force and in 1619 the Dutch brought slaves and by 1700 there were more than 6000 blacks slaves in Virginia. In 1618, England began to send orphans, whom they collected off of the streets of London. Times were hard and there was no shortage of orphans. These orphans were gathered together and held at Bridewell Royal Hospital until they could be transported.

In 1620 the Virginia Company complained that the street children of London refused to be transported to the Virginia colony as apprentices. The City of London, through an act of their Common Council; appointed one hundred children to be transported to Virginia as bound apprentices for a preset number of years, and upon fulfilment of their contract, they would receive benefits for their service. The English Privy Council responded by granting the Virginia Company permission to exercise whatever means necessary to force the children onto their ships. They were authorized to imprison, punish, and dispose any of any unruly children who refused.

While many children came to Virginia without parents, many others lost their parents through death, or abandonment. It was common for parents to send their children out to serve another family, usually around the age of ten. Children who were born out of wedlock were removed from their mothers upon weaning and they were "bound out" to slave masters. By the end of the eightieth century, these slave children; equaled about one-fifth of all the children and they could legally be sold away from their parents at any time.

Source Citation:
Children sent to Virginia, From Father’s Property to Children’s Rights: A History of Child Custody Mary Ann Mason 1994, Columbia University Press Chapter One pages 1 -10 Fathers/Masters Children/Servants: Child Custody in the Colonial Era

Source Citation Link:
http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/5664990/person/-1410131835/story/9d6....

2) John (of Bridewell) Sumner: Facts of his Birth and Immigration

a. John (of Bridewell) Sumner
Birth Place: 1618 Langborne Ward, London, England
Death: March 7, 1670 Nansemond Co VA

John Sumner was from Langborne Ward:
Early Child Immigrants to Virginia states in Explanations and Abbreviations page ix; that Langborne Ward is located in London, England. On page 36, we see the following abbreviations: p means (Per) and Const means (Constable).

So, this states that, the (V) vagrant: boys were transported per Police Chief Clewoety from Ward Langborne, London, England and number 393 is John (of Bridewell) Sumner. These boys were to be held at Bridewell to wait until they could be transported to Virginia (Early Child Immigrants to Virginia 1619 – 1642, by Hume, Robert PH. D. pg. ix, pg. 36).

b. Records that Demonstrate John was at Bridewell:
A boy by the name of John Sumner was in Bridewell, established 1553:
Records demonstrate that a child, by the name of John Sumner was brought to Bridewell Hospital to remain until he could be transported to the intended destination, Virginia. Extracted from microfilms of Bridewell Royal Hospital records kept at Bridewell/Royal Bethlem Hospital Joint Archives in Beckenham, Kent.

Source Citation: HUME, ROBERT. Early Child Immigrants to Virginia, 1618-1642, Copied from the Records of Bridewell Royal Hospital. Baltimore: Magna Carta Book Co., 1986. 52p. Page: 36. http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/24162775/person/13888118679/story/9a...

c. English Historical Linguistics, Volume 1
Edited by Alexander Berg Excerpt from page 693
English Historical Linguistic, also states that; Constable Cleworth [Clewoerty] transported boys from Langborne Ward, London, England to Bridewell to be held until they could be transported to Virginia (Bridewell Court Minute book fo. 238, London Guildhall Library, MS Minutes of the Court of Governors of Bridewell and Bethlem: Microfilm Reels MS33011/7, 1 March 1626-7 May 1634).
Source Citation Link:
https://books.google.com/books?id=CfjbBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA693&lpg...
d. Langbourn (Current Spelling) Langborne (Old Spelling):
Langbourn Ward is one of 25 ancient wards of the City of London. It is named for a buried stream in the vicinity. Langbourn ward still exist today.
Source Citation:
Langbourn School from Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia
Source Citation Link:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Langbourn
e. John (of Bridewell) Sumner:
U.S. and Canada, Passenger and Immigration Lists Index, 1500s-1900s
Name: John Sumner
Arrival Year: 1631
Arrival Place: Virginia
Source Publication Code: 1219.4
Primary Immigrant: Sumner, John

Source Citation: COLDHAM, PETER WILSON. The Complete Book of Emigrants: A Comprehensive Listing Compiled from English Public Records of Those Who Took Ship to the Americas for Political, Religious, and Economic Reasons; of Those Who Were Deported for Vagrancy, Roguery, or Non-Conformity; and of Those Who Were Sold to Labor in the New Colonies. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co. 1607-1660. 1988. 600p. Place: Virginia; Year: 1631; Page Number: 96

Source Citation:
Ancestry.com. U.S. and Canada, Passenger and Immigration Lists Index, 1500s-1900s [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010.

3) About Bridewell Hospital, Prison and Apprenticeship School:
Bridewell Prison and Hospital was established in a former royal palace in 1553 with the following purposes: the punishment of the disorderly, housing the poor and to provide shelter for the many street children in the City of London. Bridewell was located on the banks of the Fleet River in the City of London. It was both, the first house of correction in the country, and a major charitable institution. It reflected the early definition of a "hospital". Its records provide valuable evidence for both petty crime, and pauper apprenticeships in the eighteenth century. Bridewell housed vagrants, prostitutes, criminals, orphans and students of their apprentice program all in the former Royal Palace.
Reference Citation:
London Lives: http://www.londonlives.org/static/RA.jsp.
BRIDEWELL ROYAL HOSPITAL:
PICTURES AVAILABLE IN MY MEDIA FILE FOR JOHN (OF BRIDEWELL) SUMNER.
Apprenticeship Programs at Bridewell:
Bridewell hospital was established to provide shelter and job training for deserving children. Boys were referred by; the local parishes, Christ's Hospital, and sessions’ court, or they were nominated by the governors from the families of poor citizens. Unlike parish apprenticeships, those at Bridewell were considered highly desirable as their successful completion ensured both the free range of the City of London and payment of ten pounds, from the charity known as Lock's Gift, upon completion. This sum was to be used towards setting up as an independent master in their chosen trade.
The boys were given a basic education. In 1675 a school master was appointed to teach them reading and writing and an arts master would teach them their chosen trade. They were taught one of a number of trades, including; weaving, shoemaking and glove making.
Source Citation:
London Lives Website provides information about Bridewell Hospital, Orphanage, Prison and Apprentice Programs.

Source Link:
http://www.londonlives.org/static/RA.jsp

4) King Edward School, formerly Bridewell:
King Edward School evolved from the original Apprenticeship School of Bridewell Royal Hospital. After much reform, the prison section was closed and the King Edward’s School was relocated and it us currently in operation today. “King Edward's School, Witley is an independent co-educational boarding and day school, which was founded in 1553 by King Edward VI and Nicholas Ridley. The School is located in the village of Wormley (near Witley), Surrey, England, having moved to its present location in 1867. The School became fully co-educational in 1952. As of September 2010, the school joined the small number of independent schools in the UK which offer the IB Diploma Programme in place of A-Levels in the Sixth form. The School is re-introducing A-Levels as part of the curriculum from September 2015 (Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia).
Source Citation:
Kind Edward School in Witley, England
Source Citation Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Edward%27s_School,_Witley
Important Note Regarding King Edward School, formerly Bridewell:
The King Edward School, formerly of Bridewell Hospital, Prison and School did not exist at the time that John (of Bridewell) Sumner was held at Bridewell. The wording of Bridewell Court Records state that John (of Bridewell) Sumner was not a student of Bridewell School, but that he was merely held there awaiting transport to Virginia. Also, this is not the school that William Somner of Canterbury attended which will be introduced later.
King Edward School:
PICTURES OF THIS SCHOOL ARE AVAILABLE IN MY MEDIA FILE UNDER JOHN (OF BRIDEWELL) SUMNER.

5) King's School of Canterbury:

• William of Somner of Canterbury Went to School Here
• It is likely that William’s father, who was also, a Lawyer, went to school here. His Father’s name was William, as well.

The King's School is a British co-educational independent school for both day and boarding pupils in the English city of Canterbury in County Kent. It is a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference and the Eton Group. It is held to be the oldest continuously operating school in the world, having been founded in AD 597.
Source Citation Link: http://www.kings-school.co.uk/

History of Kings School of Canterbury

“The school began as a medieval cathedral school and it is said to have been founded in AD 597 by Augustine of Canterbury, therefore making it the world's oldest extant school. This is based on the fact that St Augustine founded an abbey (within the current school's grounds)” and where the school was first operated. “When the dissolution of the monasteries occurred in the reign of King Henry VIII, the school was refounded as The King's School, Canterbury”.
“During the 17th and 18th centuries, the school remained a grammar school. During the Victorian era the school began to establish itself as a ‘public school’. The school evacuated to Cornwall following the outbreak of World War II and received a new Royal Charter at the end of the war. Girls were admitted for the first time when the sixth form became coeducational during the 1970s. In 1990, the school became fully coeducational”.
• Established in the Year: 597 over 1418 years ago
• Type of School: Coeducational Boarding School
• Religion: Church of England
• Founder: St. Augustine of Canterbury
• Location: Canterbury, Kent England
• Number of Students: 817
• Number of Student Houses: 15

Source Citation Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_King%27s_School,_Canterbury

King’s School Motto: “Where You Get a King’s Education”:

Source Citation Link: http://www.kings-school.co.uk/

PICTURES OF KINGS SCHOOL ARE AVAILABLE IN MY MEDIA FILE FOR JOHN (OF BRIDEWELL) SUMNER.

6) Comparison and Contrast of Bridewell Apprenticeship School, King Edward School Formerly Bridewell, and King’s School of Canterbury:

a. Bridewell Apprenticeship School
John (of Bridewell) Sumner was here, but only to await transport to Virginia, not as a student of Bridewell’s School.
This was an Apprentice Program for the Poor and it became King Edward School, after much reform.
Source Citation: http://www.londonlives.org/static/Bridewell.jsp

b. King Edward School, Witley formerly Bridewell School:
King Edward's School, Witley is an independent co-educational boarding and day school, founded in 1553 by King Edward VI and Nicholas Ridley. The School is located in the village of Wormley (near Witley), Surrey, England, having moved to its present location in 1867. The School became fully co-educational in 1952. As of September 2010, the school has joined the small number of independent schools in the UK which offer the IB Diploma Programme in place of A-Levels in the Sixth form. The School is re-introducing A-Levels as part of the curriculum from September 2015.
Source Citation Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Edward%27s_School,_Witley

c. King’s School of Canterbury:
William Somner of Canterbury, whom many name as John (of Bridewell) Sumner’s father attended this school.
This is a VERY ELITE Boarding School for wealthy students. They have, historically, provided excellence in education. It is has been in operation for over 1400 years.
Their Motto: “Where you get a King’s Education”

See Video of their school: http://www.kings-school.co.uk/

7) Research that is used to support the Theory that William Somner of Canterbury is the Father of John (of Bridewell)

William Somner of Canterbury is often named as the father or brother of John (of Bridewell) Sumner:
Many resources site the following will extract, 1640 Nuncupative Will of Anne Shrubsole of Canterbury as support for the theory that William Somner of Canterbury as the father of John (of Bridewell) Sumner. In support of this theory, they quote the statement that; William Somner of Canterbury was holding money in safekeeping for Anne Shrubsole’s family. They accurately state that William Somner of Canterbury worked in an ecclesiastical occupation. William Somner of Canterbury was an Ecclesiastical Lawyer.

Proponents of this theory, further support their opinion; with the comment, that Anna married a Barham and they were later associated with Sumners in Virginia. They, also, make mention of Anthony Barham, Burgess of Lawnes Creek, Surry Co, Virginia. The Barhams were descended from County Kent, Canterbury, so they were living in proximity of William Somner (source: Withington). Finally, they mention that William Somner of Canterbury, published Domesday Antiquities in 1640.
This will does not state, or imply, that William Somner of Canterbury is the father of John (of Bridewell) Sumner and this will is not a valid resource for this purpose.
Source Information:
1640 Nuncupative Will of Anne Shrubsole of Canterbury Virginia Gleanings in England [database on-line]. http//interactive.ancestry.com/48515/VAGleaningsEng-003163-361
THIS WILL IS POSTED IN MY MEDIA FILE FOR JOHN (OF BRIDEWELL) SUMNER.

8) William Somner of Canterbury: His Family Life History
This section contains Research on William Somner of Canterbury and the theory that he is not the father of John (of Bridewell) Sumner. This research does not negate the possibility that John (of Bridewell) Sumner’s father’s name is William Sumner.
a. Individual Facts:
Birth: 1598 Recorded Date
Birth: 1606 Widow’s Report
However, his widow and surviving relatives state that his date of his birth was 30 March 1606, in contrary to the recorded date.
Baptism: 5 November 1598 Church of St. Margaret, Canterbury

Source Citation Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Somner

Place of Birth: Born in the family home at 5 Castle Street, a large timber framed building (known then as the Crown, now as (Lullingstone House), and he was baptized in St Margaret's church. He lived in this house for the rest of his life.
Source Citation:
Bateman (1984); Bateman (nd); Ghostling (1825); Home (1927) which includes; Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (Canterbury Historical and Archaeological Society (CHAS)
Source Citation Link: http://canterbury-buildings.org.uk/#/somner/4557758972
Death: Abt. 1640

b. Parents and Sibling of William Somner of Canterbury:

Father: William Somner I
Birth: Abt. 1570 Kent, England
Death: Abt. 1640
Mother: Anne LNU

Brother: John Somner
Birth: Abt. 1600

Brother: William Somner

Sister: Margery Somner Dennis

c. Marriages:

First wife: Elizabeth Thurgar
Birth: Archbishop's Palace, Canterbury, England
Marriage: 12 Jun 1634 at Canterbury Cathedral, Canterbury, Kent, England
Children:
1. Mabella Somner: B 1615 Canterbury, Kent, England
Baptism Date: 4 Apr 1615
Baptism Place: Kent
2. John Somner: 1616
3. Ann Somner:
Baptism 10 Mar 1641 Parish: St Dunstan in the West, London, City of London
Death: Abt. 1681
Burial Date: 20 Jan 1681
Burial Place: Garstang, Lancashire, England
4. Mary Somner
5. Elizabeth Somner:
Baptism Date: 11 Sep 1660
Baptism Place: Cathedral at Canterbury, Kent, England

Second Wife: Barbara Browne
Barbara Brown was the widow of the Master of King's School of Canterbury..
Marriage: 1659
Children:
6. Barbara Somner: 11 Sep 1660 Cathedral, Canterbury, Kent, England
7. William Somner: Baptism 03 Nov 1661 Cathedral, Canterbury, Kent, England

Third Wife: Anne Winston

William Somner of Canterbury:
His Life History

Canterbury Historical and Archeological Society (CHAS), states that; “William Somner was born in 1598 in the family home at 5 Castle Street, a large timber framed building (known then as the Crown, now as (Lullingstone House), and baptized in St Margaret's church. He lived in this house for the rest of his life. It now bears a simple plaque which oddly refers to his Anglo-Saxon Dictionary but makes no mention of his major contribution to the city's history - Domesday Antiquities which he published in 1640”.

“William's father, another William and also a lawyer, worked as Proctor to the Canterbury Consistory Court, operating from an office in his home. When William Junior left King's School of Canterbury, at thirteen; he followed in his father's footsteps and was apprenticed as an ecclesiastical lawyer”. At 17 he became a notary and two years later he prepared the defense for the wife of Sir James Hale when she was accused of failing to attend church. “He married Elizabeth Turgar from the precincts of the Archbishop's Palace when he was 28 and they had two daughters Elizabeth and Ann”.

“The Domesday Antiquities appeared when William was only 34 - widely welcomed but the dedication of the book to his patron Archbishop Laud proved to be unfortunate. Laud was arrested for treason the following year and beheaded four years later. This set back William's original plans for a history of the whole county of Kent”.

“When Cromwell's parliamentary soldiers smashed the cathedral font [in Canterbury] in 1642, William managed to collect the pieces and hide them. Eighteen years later, with the Commonwealth period at an end, King Charles II returned to England from exile in France, and called at Canterbury. The Mayor was pleased to present him with a Bible and gold coins, and William was able to offer the king a copy of his book, Antiquities of Canterbury. In that same year, 1660, William returned the pieces of font to the cathedral, and the elaborate apparatus was re-assembled.”

“When his wife Elizabeth died he married Barbara Browne, the widow of the Master of King's School of Canterbury. When their daughter Barbara was born she was the first to be baptized in the rebuilt font. In later life, William was appointed Master of St John's Hospital. He completed his Anglo-Saxon Dictionary, mentioned in the tablet on his house, in 1659. William died on 30 March 1669 which fell (according to St Margaret's baptismal register) on his 61st birthday, or (according to his widow and survivors) on his 53rd. The family always believed William to have been born in 1606. Amazingly, the man who had spent much of his professional career preparing and processing wills had not managed to write his own - he dictated it (known as a 'nuncupative' will) on the day he died. He was buried in St Margaret's church where his memorial survives but cannot be seen - it is boxed in to protect it from visitors to the Canterbury Tales exhibition.”

“William was not the only Somner contributing to Canterbury 17th century life. His brother John was a key figure in the construction of the market hall and theater at the Christchurch gate in the 1660s, rebuilt in 1790. The market thrived as a selling area for dairy products - hence the name Butter Market which survives to today. John was also instrumental in persuading Archbishop Juxon to replace the Christchurch gate wooden doors (Canterbury Historical and Archeological Society (CHAS)”.

Source Citation:
http://canterbury-buildings.org.uk/#/somner/4557758972

LULLINGSTON HOUSE PHOTOS:
Where William was born and lived his entire live are available in my media file for John (of Bridewell) Sumner.

Source Citation Link:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Canterbury_-_Lullingstone_H...

William Somner of Canterbury
Additional Works:

William was “a royalist, after the execution of Charles I he wrote an elegy; subsequently he published another such poem, to which was prefixed the portrait of Charles I, from the Eikon Basilike. He was imprisoned for some time in Deal Castle for endeavoring to obtain subscriptions to a petition for a free parliament in 1659. At the Restoration he was preferred to the mastership of St. John's Hospital in the suburbs of Canterbury, and he was appointed auditor of Christ Church, Canterbury, by the dean and chapter.”

The Dictionarium Saxonico-Latino-Anglicum, by William Somner of Canterbury
“In 1657 John Spelman, at the suggestion of Archbishop Ussher, bestowed on Somner the annual stipend of the Anglo-Saxon lecture founded by his father, Sir Henry Spelman, at Cambridge. This enabled him to complete his principal work, the Dictionarium. It shortly became a standard work in the teaching at the University of Oxford.”

“Somner's earliest work was Domesday Antiquities; a Survey of that ancient City, with the Suburbs and Cathedral, London, 1640, dedicated to Archbishop Laud (reissued 1662; 2nd edit, by Nicholas Batteley, London, 1703). At the suggestion of Merico Casaubon he acquired knowledge of Anglo-Saxon, and then wrote Observations on the Laws of King Henry I, published by Roger Wisden in 1644, with a new glossary. He made collections for a history of Kent, but abandoned this undertaking; a portion of the work was published at Oxford in 1693 by the Rev. James Brome, under the title of A Treatise of the Roman Ports and Forts in Kent, with notes by Edmund Gibson, and a life of the author by White Kennett.”

“Somner completed in 1647 a work on gavelkind. He also made, but never published, an English translation of The Ancient Saxon Laws, which had been published in Latin by William Lombard in 1568. He composed, in reply to Jean Jacques Chifflet, a dissertation on Portus Iccius, the place where Julius Caesar embarked in his expeditions to Britain, and fixed it at Gessoriacum, now Boulogne-Sur-Mer. Somner also drew up Ad verba vetera Germanica à V. Cl. Justo Lipsio Epist. Cent. iii. ad Belgas Epist. XLIV collecta, Notae, published in the appendix to Meric Casaubon's 'De quatuor Linguis Commentatio,'1650. To the Historiae Anglicanae Scriptores Decem, edited in 1652 by Roger Twysden, he contributed a glossary of obscure and antiquated words.”
“To William Dugdale and Roger Dodsworth's Monasticon Anglicanum he contributed materials relating to Canterbury and the religious houses in Kent, and he translated into Latin all the Anglo-Saxon documents, and many English records for the same work. His last antiquarian production was Chartham News; “or a brief relation of some Strange Bones there lately digged up, in some grounds of Mr. John Somner's. This was edited by his brother John, London, 1680, and is reprinted at the end of the first part of the second edition of his Antiquities of Canterbury”.

Source Citation Link:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Somner.

William Somner of Canterbury:
Chalmers' General Biographical Dictionary
Name: William Somner
Birth Date: 30 Mar 1606
Death Date: 30 Mar 1669
Page Number: 216
Volume Number: Volume 28

Source Citation:
Ancestry.com. Chalmers' General Biographical Dictionary [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc., 2010. This collection was indexed by Ancestry World Archives
Project Contributors:
Original data: Chalmers, Alexander. The General Biographical Dictionary 32 volumes London: J. Nichols and Son, 1812-1817.
Source Citation Link: http://search.ancestry.com/search/collections/ChalmersBiogDict/6102...
William Somner of Canterbury:
Dictionary of National Biography, Volumes 1-20, 22
Name: William Somner
Birth Date: 30 Mar 1606
Death Date: 30 Mar 1669

Source Citation:
Ancestry.com. Dictionary of National Biography, Volumes 1-20, 22 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. This collection was indexed by Ancestry World Archives Project contributors.

Original data:
Stephen, Sir Leslie, ed. Dictionary of National Biography, 1921-1922. Volumes 1-20, 22. London, England: Oxford University Press, 1921-1922.
Source Citation Link:
http://search.ancestry.com/search/collections/DictNatBiogV1/65445/p...

9) Documentation of Familial Relationships for William Somner of Canterbury:

A. Two Wills as Proof of Familial Relationships:
Will # 1)
The Will of George Maningham of Maidstone:
George Manningham of Maidstone, gent., in his will dated 1 Aug. 1600; proved 10 Sep.
Following (vol. 38, fo. 280), mentions “George, William and John Somner brethren – Margery their sister – George, son of William of Canterbury.” A Commission from John, Archbp. Of Canterbury, appointing William Somner one of the Registrars of the City and Diocese of Canterbury, under seal dated at Lambeth 12 Oct. 1598. A Confirmed by the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury under their seal on 22 Dec., same year (Vol. 39).
Source Citation:
Miscellanea Genealogica et Heralldica EDITED BY JOSEPH JACKSON HOWARD, LL.D., F.S.A., Maltravers HERALD EXTRAORDINARY. VOLUME V. SECOND SERIES
Will # 2)
Will of William Somner of Canterbury Dated: Proved 21 Sep. 1638
William Somner of Canterbury’s will lists his sons, daughters, spouse and siblings. Proof of Relationships is listed in the Resources Section below.
“William Somner of the City of Canterbury, and the Consistory Court of the Lord Archbp. Register. Wills, etc. – to my dau. Elizabeth in recompenses for her pains with her mother and myself (tho’ she had a portion in marriage like her fellows which by her husband had long ago been consumed), sundry household goods & 100 [pounds] – My grandchildren – John my son – My daus. Wilkins and Fordred – my son in law William Fordred – my dau. In law Elizabeth my son George’s wife – Susanna my son John’s wife – Elizabeth my son William’s wife – my sister Margery Dennis – the parish of Boxley where I was born – the parish of Deptling where I was bred up many years. – George my eldest son my mansion-home in St. Margaret’s and St. Mildred’s or St. Mary Castle or one of them. Proved 21 Sep. 1638, before Master Edward Aldey, clk. Surrogate, in the presence of William Somner son of the testator, Notary Public (during the vacancy by the death of the las. Register, by the King specially deputed to the same, etc. etc., by the oath of George Somner, eldest son of the Testator.” (Vol. 52, fo. 78).
“William Somner of the Precincts of Christ Church, Canterbury, gent., wills. Etc. – To my eldest son William and his heirs my home in St. Margaret’s, Canterbury immediately after the death of Barbara Somner, mother of him the said William my son – to John my second son my house in Chartham – to Elizabeth Somner my dau._ to Ann my dau. Wife of Richard Pising, Goldsmith. Proved 18 May 1669. Vol. 53, fo 464).
John Somner of the Precincts of the Palace of the Abp. Of Canterbury, gent. Wills to be buried in St. Margaret’s, Canterbury _ Ann my wife _George my son _ my cosin Sarah Somner _ John son of my brother William Somner. My Messuage, etc. in Chartham, lands Romney Marsh & House in Canterbury to trustees for my said son for life, remainder of house and land at Chartham to Elizabeth wife of said son George , so long as she continues a widow and dwells there_ Remainder over to the issue of said son, and for want of such heirs to St. Johns Hospital without Northgate, and St. Nicholas Hospital, Harbledown. _Lands in Romney Marsh for want of their heirs of said son to William son of my Brother William decd remainder to said Hospitals. – As to messuages in Canterbury for want of heirs of said son to Elizabeth wife of M John Lewkener of Canterbury, Hatter, remainder to the Hospital of Kingsbridge, Canterbury. Proved 11 Oct. 1679 (Vol. 54 fo. 408 (p. 54 - 55).
Source Citation: Miscellanea Genealogica et Heralldica EDITED BY JOSEPH JACKSON HOWARD, LL.D., F.S.A., Maltravers HERALD EXTRAORDINARY. VOLUME V. SECOND SERIES.
Source Citation Link:

https://books.google.com/books?id=eVpIAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA99&lpg=...

B. Resources Section: Proof of familial relationships

William Somner of Canterbury:
Sister: Margery Dennis
Source Citation:
Miscellanea Genealogica et Heralldica EDITED BY JOSEPH JACKSON HOWARD, LL.D., F.S.A., Maltravers HERALD EXTRAORDINARY. VOLUME V. SECOND SERIES
Brother # 1
John Somner
England, Select Births and Christenings, 1538-1975
Name: John Somner
Gender: Male
Baptism Date: 11 Apr 1705
Baptism Place: Seend, Wiltshire, England
Father: William Somner
Mother: Anne LNU
FHL Film Number: 943579

Source Citation:
Ancestry.com. England, Select Births and Christenings, 1538-1975 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014.
Original data: England, Births and Christenings, 1538-1975. Salt Lake City, Utah: Family Search, 2013.

Source Citation Link:
http://search.ancestry.com/search/collections/FS1EnglandBirthsandCh...
Brother John’s Marriage:
Somner, John, of the Precincts of Ch. Ch., Cant., and Susan Browne of S. Margaret's, Cant. At S. M. Bredin's, Cant. June 29, 1631.
Source Citation:
Ancestry.com. England, Select Marriages, 1538-1973 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014.

Source Citation Link: https://archive.org/stream/canterburymarria02cant/canterburymarria0...

Brother # 2
William Somner
Source Citation:
Source Citation: Miscellanea Genealogica et Heralldica EDITED BY JOSEPH JACKSON HOWARD, LL.D., F.S.A., Maltravers HERALD EXTRAORDINARY. VOLUME V. SECOND SERIES
William Somner of Canterbury’s Marriages:
First Wife:
Elizabeth Thurgar
http://search.ancestry.com/search/collections/FS1EnglandMarriages/6..., Select Marriages, 1538-1973
Name: Elizabeth Thurgar
Gender: Female
Marriage Date: 12 Jun 1634 (John was borne prior to this date?
Marriage Place: Cathedral, Canterbury, Kent, England
Spouse: William Somner
FHL Film Number: 942 B4HA V. 2

Marriage of William Somner of Canterbury to Elizabeth Thurgar
Somner, William, junr., of Blessed Margaret’s, Cant., ba., and Elizabeth Thurgar of the Precincts of the Archbishop’s Palace, Cant., v. At the Cathedral. June 10, 1640
Source Citation:
Internet Archive, Canterbury Marriage Licenses Online page 918
https://archive.org/stream/canterburymarria02cant/canterburymarria0...
Source Citation:
Ancestry.com. England, Select Marriages, 1538-1973 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014.

Original data: England, Marriages, 1538-1973. Salt Lake City, Utah: Family Search, 2013. Elizabeth Thurgar: Somner, William, junr., of Blessed Margaret's, Cant., ba., and Elizabeth Thurgar of the Precincts of the Archbishop's Palace, Cant., v. At the Cathedral. Peter Wynne of Cant., g., bonds. June 10, 1634. William Somner and Elizabeth Thurgar, 12 Jun 1634; citing Cathedral,Canterbury,Kent,England, reference ; FHL microfilm 942 B4HA V. 2.

Second Wife:
Barbara Browne
Barbara Brown was the widow of the Master of King's School.
Marriage: 1659

Source Citation:
Canterbury Historical and Archeological Society (CHAS) http://canterbury-buildings.org.uk/#/somner/4557758972

Third Wife:
Anne Winston
The England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975 lists Anne Winston Somner the mother of Mabelle Somner’s mother. It states that William Somner is her father.
Source Citation:
"England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NNLF-SVS : accessed 22 August 2015), William Somner in entry for Mabella Somner, 04 Apr 1615; citing Canterbury, Kent, England, reference item 2; FHL microfilm 1,751,627.

Sons # 1
Francis Somner (Not listed in will) Male Christening Date: 11 Aug 1635 Christening Place: St. Margaret, Canterbury, Kent, England
Father’s Name: William Somner
Mother’s Name: Elizabeth

Source Citation:
"England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975," database,FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:J7G3-V94 : accessed 20 August 2015), William Somner in entry for Francis Somner, 11 Aug 1635; citing Canterbury, Kent, England, reference it 2; FHL microfilm 1,751,625.

Son # 2
John Somner of the Precincts of the Palace of the Abp. Of Canterbury, gent.
London, England, Baptisms, Marriages and Burials, 1538-1812
Name: John Somner
Baptism Date: 22 Sep 1616
Parish: St Mary Somerset
County: London
Borough: City of London
Father: William Somner
Record Type: Christening
Register Type: Parish Register

Source Citation:
http://search.ancestry.com/search/collections/LMAearlyparish/768014...

John Somner’s Mother: Elizabeth Thurgar
Source Citation:
"England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975," database, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JW9Q-158 : accessed 21 August 2015), William Summers in entry for Joseph Summers, 20 Feb 1673; citing Broadwater, Sussex, England, reference ; FHL microfilm 1,068,526.

John Somner and Susanne Somner had a Child:
Birth Date of Child: 10 April 1640

Source Citation:
The register booke of christninges, marriages, and burials within the precinct of the cathedrall and metropolitical church of Christe of Canterburie by Canterbury Cathedral; Hovenden, Robert, 1830-1908, Published 1878, Topics Registers of births, etc. -- England Canterbury, page 8
Source Citation Link:
https://archive.org/details/registerbookeofc00cant

John Somner:
Death / Burial / Memorial
Hasted mentions ancient brasses now gone, including one for Michael Pix, Mayor of Folkestone, and Nicholas Moore, of Wyngmer, 1577. There is now in front of the altar in the floor a slab of Purbeck marble, to the memory of John Somner, son of the learned William Somner, of Canterbury, dated 1695. There is a great array of ancient monuments in the large churchyard, many of which testify to the great age to which the inhabitants have lived.

Source Citation:
Volume 2, Issue 6 Page 4 The Dover Express dated Friday 6th December 1901.

Source Citation:
Miscellanea Genealogica et Heralldica EDITED BY JOSEPH JACKSON HOWARD, LL.D., F.S.A., Maltravers HERALD EXTRAORDINARY. VOLUME V. SECOND SERIES
Source Citation Link:
http://www.ehs.elham.co.uk/Forms/EHS%20Newsletters/EHS%20NL%20May%2...
John Somner’s Death:
KENT ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY, Chancell:
On a Flat Stone, within ye Communion Rails, wth this Coat. [Erm. 2 chevns. gu]. (Griffin note: SOMNER). Here lies the Body of John Somner Gent. son of the learned Mr William Somner of Canterbury. Who died, June ye 7th 1695 in the 29th Year of his Age.
Source Citation Link:
http://www.kentarchaeology.org.uk/Research/Libr/MIs/MIsElham/01.htm
Son # 3
George Somner
Source Citation: Miscellanea Genealogica et Heralldica EDITED BY JOSEPH JACKSON HOWARD, LL.D., F.S.A., Maltravers HERALD EXTRAORDINARY. VOLUME V. SECOND SERIES
Son # 4
William Somner
England, Select Births and Christenings, 1538-1975
Name: William Somner
Gender: Male
Baptism Date: 3 Nov 1661
Baptism Place: Cathedral, Canterbury, Kent, England
Father: William Somner
Mother: Barbara

Source Citation:
Ancestry.com. England, Select Births and Christenings, 1538-1975 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014.
Original data: England, Births and Christenings, 1538-1975. Salt Lake City, Utah: FamilySearch, 2013.

Source Citation:
Miscellanea Genealogica et Heralldica EDITED BY JOSEPH JACKSON HOWARD, LL.D., F.S.A., Maltravers HERALD EXTRAORDINARY. VOLUME V. SECOND SERIES
Daughter # 1
Margery Somner
Source Citation: http://www.ehs.elham.co.uk/Forms/EHS%20Newsletters/EHS%20NL%20May%2...
Source Citation:
Miscellanea Genealogica et Heralldica EDITED BY JOSEPH JACKSON HOWARD, LL.D., F.S.A., Maltravers HERALD EXTRAORDINARY. VOLUME V. SECOND SERIES
Daughter # 2
Elizabeth Somner

Source Citation: Miscellanea Genealogica et Heralldica EDITED BY JOSEPH JACKSON HOWARD, LL.D., F.S.A., Maltravers HERALD EXTRAORDINARY. VOLUME V. SECOND SERIES
Daughter # 3
Ann Somner
Christening Date: 14 May 1637
Gender: Female
Christening Place: St. Margaret, Canterbury, Kent, England
Father’s Name: William Somner
Mother’s Name: Elizabeth

Source Citation:
"England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975," database, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NNLC-9QP : accessed 20 August 2015), William Somner in entry for Ann Somner, 14 May 1637; citing Canterbury, Kent, England, reference it 2; FHL microfilm 1,751,625.
Source Citation: Miscellanea Genealogica et Heralldica EDITED BY JOSEPH JACKSON HOWARD, LL.D., F.S.A., Maltravers HERALD EXTRAORDINARY. VOLUME V. SECOND SERIES
Ann Somner
England, Select Deaths and Burials, 1538-1991
Name: Ann Somner
Gender: Female
Burial Date: 20 Jan 1681
Burial Place: Garstang, Lancashire, England
Father: Will. Somner
FHL Film Number: 1278942

Source Citation:
Ancestry.com. England, Select Deaths and Burials, 1538-1991 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014.
http://search.ancestry.com/search/collections/FS1EnglandDeathsandBu...

Daughter # 4
Barbara Somner
England, Select Births and Christenings, 1538-1975
Name: Barbara Somner
Gender: Female
Baptism Date: 11 Sep 1660
Baptism Place: Cathedral, Canterbury, Kent, England
Father: William Somner
(Not mentioned in his will)
(Dauther of Barbara Browne and William).

Source Citation:
Ancestry.com. England, Select Births and Christenings, 1538-1975 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014.
Original data: England, Births and Christenings, 1538-1975. Salt Lake City, Utah: FamilySearch, 2013.
Daughter # 5
Mabella (Mabel) Somner
Kent, England, Tyler Index to Parish Registers, 1538-1874
Name: Mabella Somner
Event Type: Baptism
Birth Date: 1615
Baptism Date: 4 Apr 1615
Baptism Place: Kent
Relation: Daughter (Child)
Father Name: Wm Somner

Source Citation:
Ancestry.com. Kent, England, Tyler Index to Parish Registers, 1538-1874 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. This collection was indexed by Ancestry World Archives Project contributors. Original data: Frank Watt Tyler. The Tyler Collection. Canterbury, Kent, England: The Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies.

Source Citation: "England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975," database, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NNLF-SVS : accessed 22 August 2015), William Somner in entry for Mabella Somner, 04 Apr 1615; citing Canterbury, Kent, England, reference item 2; FHL microfilm 1,751,627.
Mabel’s Marriage:
Fordred, William of Hackington, Tanner and Mabel Somner of St. Margaret’s Cant., daughter of William Somner, at St. Margaret’s. Sept. 10 1634.

Source Citation:
Internet Archive, Canterbury Marriage Licenses Online page 358
Link: https://archive.org/stream/canterburymarria02cant#page/n195/mode/2u...

Daughter # 6
Mary Somner
Mary’s Marriage:
Ely, Nicholas, of Charing, g., ba., about 24, and Mary Somner of s. Margaret’s Cant., maiden, about 22, daughter of William Somner, on Aug. 23 1625.
Source Citation:
Internet Archive, Canterbury Marriage Licenses Online page 324
Link: https://archive.org/stream/canterburymarria02cant#page/n195/mode/2u...

10) Conclusion:

William Somner of Canterbury was an Ecclesiastical Lawyer and a well-known Antiquarian; he wrote Domesday Antiquities and then, he presented it to King Charles II upon his return from exile in France. He, also, wrote the first Anglo-Saxon Dictionary. Furthermore, William Somner of Canterbury would have sat around the table with the movers and shakers of his day. As an Ecclesiastical Lawyer, he would have been in direct contact with both leading church figures, the foremost legal authorities and political figures, as well. He would have sat around the table with Thomas Cromwell, himself, as Thomas Cromwell; was an attorney, he was involved in church matters and he was in close contact with the King, until things went awry. As we have seen, William Somner of Canterbury, who was a Royalist; who personally presented King Charles II with a copy of his Domesday Antiquities, so he was, in deed in the inner circle.

I cannot imagine, William Somner of Canterbury sending any of his children to Bridewell for their education. Furthermore, he would have no need to place his children on a ship to Virginia so, that they would become indentured servants. William Somner of Canterbury certainly did not die and leave his children as orphans for, as we can see; William Somner of Canterbury lived until all of his children reached adulthood. William Somner of Canterbury, certainly; was not indigent so, he could afford a proper education for all of his children.

William Somner of Canterbury presents as man of strong standing in the community. The historical documentation of his life; as presented by The Canterbury Historical and Archaeological Society (CHAS), and other resources describe him in great detail, and the circumstances do not support that he could have been the father of John (of Bridewell) Sumner. Furthermore, William Somner of Canterbury’s Father was a wealthy man, as well, so he is not likely the father of John (of Bridewell) Sumner either. Thus, William Somner of Canterbury is not the brother of William (of Bridewell) Sumner. It is clear from the documentation of the entire family, that they had the financial stability and thus provided a stable environment for their children. They certainly could afford to educate their children, so there was no need to send them as indentured servants. Finally, these sources demonstrate that these individuals were born in England, lived their entire lives in England and that they died and were buried in England. There is no possibility that John (of Bridewell) Sumner came from this family unit.