Ebook The Ketts of Norfolk

The Kett Family traces its ancestry to a remote period history. It would appear that the family name is derived from the old Danish - Vekell, the sacred vessel used in sacrifices, and if this be true then we have a link with the ages before the Conquest. Certain it is, however, that the Ketts were living in Norfolk during the reign of William I., X for there are no fewer than four references to people who may, with small doubt, be members of the family, in Domesday Book. Since the twelfth century they have settled at Wymondham, and from that time. owe have records of their unbroken succession stretching over eight hundred years to the present day.

Three hundred years of comparative prosperity were followed by a long period of persecution. From 1200 to 1550 the Ketts advanced from success to success, until finally they attained a position of considerable local importance. In earlier days they had been taught by the monks of the neighbouring abbey, a Benedictitie foundation established at the beginning of the twelfth century. We find frequent reference to their activities in the fairs and miracle plays held at Wymondham throughout the Middle Ages.

The widespread feeling of discontent and the undoubted grievances of the peasantry during the reign of Edward VI. induced a prominent member of the Kett family to raise the standard of rebellion. The famous insurrection of Robert Kett in 1549 is too well known to call for any description here. Suffice it to say that the movement was quickly suppressed, and the stern hand of the law fell heavily on the heads of the unfortunate instigators. For more than a century the Ketts had to live down the memory of the rebellion, but in the end they once more established their position in the county. At no time were they lacking in courage - one of their number perished at the stake rather than recant his opinions.