The genealogy, (or family history), of the Cutcliffe (Cutclif, Cutcliff, Cutliff and/or Cutlyff) family was obtained from over 150 sources. Most of the information about the Cutcliffe family in England, prior to the late eighteen hundreds, was copied from accounts of the Family of Cutcliffe of Damage by William Richard Drake, F.S.A., privately printed in London in 1876. Most of the information concerning Cutcliffe family members, born after the middle of the eighteen hundreds, in England, Canada, United States, Australia and Wales comes from many family members and official records. As of 2007, there is information available on over 3,800 family members.

The first Cutcliffe on the family tree is Thomas Cutcliffe. Thomas was born near the town of Hartland, county of Devon, England in 1450. In 1476 Thomas married Joane Gernoune. Through this marriage Thomas gained control of several pieces of property in North Devon. The property that gained the most notoriety for the Cutcliffe family was called Damage Barton. Damage Barton still exists. By the middle of the seventeenth century, the Cutcliffes became known as the Cutcliffes of Damage, parish of Ilfracombe.

The spelling of the surname Cutcliffe was probably a derivation of Cutlyff descending from Thomas Cutlyff of Hartland, County Devon circa 1450. It is possible, but not yet proven, that all Cutcliffes descended from William of Sodden, who was born in 1267, on a farm, known as Sodden, which is located near Hartland.

The Cutcliffe name was probably derived from the Latin words RUPE meaning rock or cliff, and SCISSA meaning cut.

The Cutcliffe coat-of-arms, or heraldry, is described as Gules, 3 pruning hooks argent. It has a red shield with 3 silver pruning hooks. A wreath alternating red and silver tops the steel helmet. There is mantling flowing from the helmet. One side of the mantle is red and the other side is silver. The motto is on an old parchment background with sepia lettering. The Cutcliffe family motto is "Fingit Premendo" meaning "He builds by discipline" or "He fashions by restraint."

Until 1970, Cutcliffe family history, or family tree, was recorded in a book entitled Account of the Family of Cutcliffe, written by Wendell W. Cutcliffe in 1970. Copies of this book are located in England at Damage Barton and Lee Manor. In the United States, copies of the book are located in the United States Library of Congress and at the Mormon Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The Cutcliffe Family History is a living record. Submissions of any additions, corrections and/or new information that will improve this family history would be appreciated. If you have family stories about an individual, or information of a personal nature, that communicates the personality of an individual, please submit that information so it can be included in the family history. If you have a picture of a family member please send that picture along with their biographical information. Pictures can also be included in the family history information.

I have tried to maintain the privacy of family members that are still living. If I have failed in this duty please let me know so I can comply with your wishes.

 

 

 

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