Thurburns

17
CHAPTER VI.
Whilst chronicling the data obtainable concerning the Scotch
Thurburns, it would be well to notice that a family styling
themselves Thurbarne had their settlement for several centuries
in that part of Kent which was for many generations in the
possession of the Danes during the early period of the history
of England. That the Thurbarnes of Kent were of Scandi-
navian origin, there is no cause to doubt. It would now be
difficult, however, nay, almost impossible, to trace the connection
which existed between the two branches of the clan ; but that
such did once obtain, there is reason to suppose. On several
occasions mention is made in the ancient local manuscripts of
Kent of the Thurbarnes, who, though seemingly now extinct,
were numerous during the fourteenth, fifteenth, and sixteenth
centuries. In the famous "Dering" papers the following notices
are given of them : —
A.D. 1509 — 10. The lands late John Thurharn's, now John Edolph's, in Bren-
sett, mentioned in an abstract.
Ditto. Ditto, John Thnrbarn's lands, 2nd notice.
Ditto. Ditto, lands, formerly Clement Thorbarn's, noticed.
Again, in an enrolment of the Taxation of Landowners in
Romney Marsh, dated 1386, we have mentioned —
The Heirs of Clement Thurbarn for 25 acres in Brenset Ivy Church.
Ditto, ditto,
, H
, Brenset.
John Thurbarn
, 24 ,
Ditto.
Philip Thurbarn
. 9 ,
Ditto.
William Thurbarn
, 20
, Brenset Ivy Church
Godman Thurbarn
, ii
Ditto.
Heirs of Thomas Thurbarn
, 8
, Suave.
In a plea bill of Dover Castle Court, dated A.D. 1400, we find
one Clement Thurbarn summoned as a juror. In 1358 a Richard
Thurbarn was Bailiff of Hastings, an appointment of great
consideration. In 1585-6 a Robert Thurbarne was member of