The name of Broomer is one of the oldest Sussex surnames, derived not from the craft or trade of broom-making but taken from the place once famed for its Abbey.  "Breamore" (Bromere in the Domesday Book of 1085), The Abbey was founded towards the reign of Henry I (about 1130), it was apparently visited by Richard II in 1384.  The Abbey was founded by Austin Canons, like most religious houses it had a fraternity into which laity were received as Associates.  There is a record of the Prior receiving John de Brommore, Geva his wife and John their son into the Brotherhood.  Although Breamore is in the County of Hampshire an early Broomer had reason to travel and move to Chichester (an adjacent County).  There is a strong possibility that there is a connection with the Austin Canon's Abbey in Chichester as there is documentation of involvement in Breamore as lay persons.

The first Broomer I have record of in Chichester is Richard de Bromere (1225), he is recorded as having paid for the incense for the Clerks of Chichester Cathedral to use when "Saying the Mass of our Lady" he is also recorded as having conveyed a house "outside the East Gate of Chichester" to the Cathedral. The name "de Bromere" itself is an indication that he came from Breamore (Bromere).

In the Sussex Subsidy Roll of 1327 appears Robert Bromere of Bridham (Birdham), assessed at four shillings and threepence halfpenny, he was a wool merchant.

On 30th June, 1363 reference was made to a holding "formerly of Robert Brommer, goldsmith" held of the king, near the the city jail and the Friars Church in Chichester.

Richard Bromer of Eastergate, Chichester, by will dated 3rd July, 1534 and witnessed by Reverand Robert Hotton, Vicar of Sidlesham, left 12d. to "the Church of Slyndon", 20d. to Walberton Church and 26/8d. to Tortington Priory (Austin Canons), with a shilling to each Priest and eight pence to every novice there.

I feel confident that the pattern of movement of the Broomers is from Breamore, Hampshire to the Chichester area.  Birdham is situated just under five miles South West of Chichester, it is here that Robert de Bromore held Half Knights Fee in 1349....this represents the Manor of Birdham-Broomer.

After the suppression of the Monasteries Birdham-Broomer which had been conveyed to the Hospital of Arundel by Thomas Earl of Arundel, was annexed to the Church of Chichester and now belongs to the Dean and Chapter.

In the succeeding centuries the Broomers gradually moved northwards towards London (interestingly, following the line of Stane Street, the very old Roman Military Road from Chichester to London Bridge).  I have records of Broomers living near Pulborough (Broomers Hill), Shipley, north of Pulborough (Broomers Corner), Warnham, north of Horsham then over the County border into Surrey at Cranleigh, Ewhurst (Broomers Lane), Albury, Abinger, Shere and many other small Surrey villages.

Although still quite an uncommon Surname there are descendants now living in various parts of the U.K., Australia, Canada, New Zealand, U.S.A. and no doubt many other countries around the globe.

(Compiled by John Broomer of Surrey.)