A Glimpse Into the Steere Family's British Roots...

John Steere, also known as John Steere of Ockley, was a descendent of a long lineage of Steere's from this small English hamlet located south of London, on the Old Roman Road to Brighton.  He is believed to be of immediate descent from John Steere of Vann and tradition illustrates that the family has held properties within this parish prior to 1066 AD. An in-depth focus on the family's genealogy and rise through landed gentry will be included later in the development of this web site.  Meanwhile, these photos provide a flavor for the countryside from which the Steere's originate.

Ockley estates held by various portions of the family have included the Vann Farm; the Youngs; the Hale, Milwards, Paynes, Letts Mead and Ruckmans Lagge farms; the Eversheds; and the Jayes Farm.  The Manor of Cudworth was purchased by Lee Steere in 1755 as was the Manor of Ockley in 1784.

The gates, present house, and barns at the Vann Farm...ancestral homestead of the American Steeres.

The house (photo dated c1900), servants quarters, and stables of the Jayes Farm.

St. Margaret's Church and cemetery, the family's parish.

Photos and excerpts courtesy of The John Steere Family Album.