Hankcock Family of Wiveliscombe
The Hancock name has been variously spelt, Hancocke, Handcocke, Hancok, Hancoke. At the end of the 14th century the Hancock Family was firmly established in Wiveliscombe. Documents seem to show the hamlet of Ford as the home of the Hancock Family.
In 1428 a general subsidy of 26s.8d was levied on the manor of Wiveliscombe.
In same year the Halmote and Hockday was held on the 30th April, John Hancock and John atte Yae attend in the name of the homage. On the same day a suit is tried between Henry Hancocke junior complainant and John Curtey defendant.
In same year the Halmote and Hockday was held on the 30th April, John Hancock and John atte Yae attend in the name of the homage. On the same day a suit is tried between Henry Hancocke junior complainant and John Curtey defendant.
In the library of the Lambeth Palace documents show that on the 30th April 1465 a court called the View of Frankpledge is held, Walter Hancock and others are fined for breaking the assize. Walter Hancock is found guilty of having diverted a watercourse between Bagellesphyll and his own house out of it's course. He is ordered to divert it back under penalty of half a mark. The same documents show his son Henry presents the homage at the Bishop's Court at Wiveliscombe in 1464
In 1502 Sir John Hancock appears as executor in a will regarding the Jew Family proved that year.
The lay Subsidy Rolls of 37 Henry VIII 1546 record the payment made by Richard Hancocke, a man apparently of considerable substance, who settled at Ford, in the parish of Wiveliscombe
In the Manor Roll of 1580, Elizabeth Hancocke and her son's John and Henry taking regrants of land.
The St Andrew's parish Register shows, 'Widdowe Hancocke of Ford' was buried on the 29th July 1582.
In 1584 Thomas Hancocke serves as a 'shot'at Taunton. Men from Somerset were trained in combat at this time in case the Spanish invaded. The 'shots'were men of a better class who were carefully taught to handle their guns.
The list of Rate payers for the Parish of Wiveliscombe in 1602 shows Henry Hancocke paying rates for East Whitefiled, Xpoter Hancocke paying for Westtown and John Handcocke paying rates for Crowford.
Family history information compiled by Sheridon Rayment 2015