Thomas Popham

Brief Life History of Thomas

When Thomas Popham was born about 1557, in Huntworth, Somerset, England, United Kingdom, his father, Edward Popham, was 39 and his mother, Joan Norton, was 33. He had at least 2 sons and 3 daughters with Grace Harley. He died in 1616, in North Petherton, Somerset, England, at the age of 60.

Photos and Memories (0)

Photos and Memories

Do you know Thomas? Do you have a story about him that you would like to share? Sign In or Create a FREE Account

Family Time Line

Thomas Popham
1557–1616
Grace Harley
Jane Popham
1597–
Alexander Popham
Margerie Pipham
Thomas Popham
Elizabeth Popham
1604–

Sources (5)

  • Thomas Popham, "England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975"
  • Thome Pophma in entry for Jane Pophma, "England, Somerset, Church Records, 1501-1999"
  • Thome Popham in entry for Elizabeth Popham, "England, Somerset, Church Records, 1501-1999"

World Events (5)

1558 · Act of Uniformity

The Act of Uniformity was passed by the Parliament of England and required all people to go to church once a week. The consequence of not attending church was a fine of 12 pence, which was a considerable amount for a poor person.

1569 · State Lottery

A State Lottery was recorded in 1569. The tickets were sold at St. Paul's Cathedral in London.

1585 · The First English Colony is Established in America

England established its first colony in North America in 1585 as a way to generate additional wealth. The colony was named Virginia, after the virgin Queen Elizabeth I.

Name Meaning

English: habitational name from a place in Hampshire, so called from an unattested short form of Old English popel ‘pebble’ + Old English hām ‘village, homestead’.

History: The Popham Colony was the first organized attempt to establish an English colony on the shores of what is now known as New England, then called Northern Virginia. George Popham of Hunstworth, Somerset, England, helped establish the colony at the mouth of the Kennebec River in 1607. It lasted for little over a year until it was abandoned in 1608. Although George died that same year, he may have had descendants or relatives with him as there are Pophams in the US who trace their family roots to the colony.

Dictionary of American Family Names © Patrick Hanks 2003, 2006.

Possible Related Names

Discover Even More

As a nonprofit, we offer free help to those looking to learn the details of their family story.

Create a FREE Account

Search for Another Deceased Ancestor

Share this with your family and friends.