De Say

de Say (Saye, Sai) is the surname of an old Norman noble family originating from Sai, Orne. The first records are about William de Say and Picot de Say, Norman conquerors.^[1] The de Say family, held lands in England and France.

Once settled and rewarded for their part in the Norman invasion of 1066, it is recorded their family name was anglicised to de Jay. This then became the surname Jay as we know it today.

Historical records note that, just as in their Norman roots in Sai, France; the hamlet of Jay, in Shropshire, was taken as their name.

This area was within the Barony of Clun, a powerful Norman stronghold in Shropshire. Whilst the name of De Say/De Sai evolved to become De Jay/Jay, branches of the House of De Say became linked to the Duke of Norfolk.

This occurred when Isabella de Say was born to Helias de Say/de Jay.

Isabella was the only surviving child of Helias de Say upon his death in 1165; Helias was the third lord of Clun.

She is notable for helping to create the powerful medieval house of the FitzAlans.