It is possible that the SWAFFER family came to this country from the continent. We certainly know of the variation SCHAFFER in Germany, but someone has suggested that they may have been from Belgium, hence the reason for contacting this message board. There are many swaffer's in the records in the Ashford area of Kent, but so far my branch only extends back to 1835 to Thomas Swaffer's birth. Later, with his wife Adelaide and seven children, he was a baker in or near to Lydd in Romney Marsh area, before one of the sons moved to Hastings carrying on the baker trade there. Does anyone know of earlier swaffer's or have any info on Romney Marsh settlers please?

On Wednesday, February 21, 2001 11:26 AM Louise wrote | It is possible that the SWAFFER family came to this country from the continent. We certainly know of the variation SCHAFFER in Germany, but someone has suggested that they may have been from Belgium, hence the reason for contacting this message board. There are many swaffer's in the records in the Ashford area of Kent, but so far my branch only extends back to 1835 to Thomas Swaffer's birth. Later, with his wife Adelaide and seven children, he was a baker in or near to Lydd in Romney Marsh area, before one of the sons moved to Hastings carrying on the baker trade there. | | Does anyone know of earlier swaffer's or have any info on Romney Marsh settlers please? Hi Louise, Whilst I am not sugesting the family did not at some time come from abroad at this time you should continue with your searching in Kent. It is in this county that my family originated and a quick look has found the following SCHAFFER name prior to 1601 20 Marriages 18 Baptisms 12 Burials. This information was obtained from fiche, available from the KFHS detailing BMDs in the Weald of Kent. Roy