DNA testing to establish or disprove connections between holders of the same surname have become commonplace, and a FOSKETT DNA Surname Project has been set up recently to further this research.
The aim of the project is to determine whether all holders of the surname and its variants have a common ancestor. At the moment, it would appear that there are three separate groups of FOSKETTs
However there are a number of subsidiary objectives:
- confirmation of existing research
- filling gaps where records no longer exist
- providing pointers to geographic areas where research can be conducted
In order to participate or just to learn about DNA testing and familiy history, please go to:
There are currently 10 members of the project with 7 member's DNA profile complete and a further DNA profile of a Foskett from elsewhere.
If you are descended from one of the following lines, then your DNA profile would be particularly valuable: Cranfield, Odell, Eversholt in Bedfordshire; Tring, Berkhampstead, Barnet and Sacombe in Hertfordshire; Ringstead in Northamptonshire; Barnet, Finchley and Hampstead in Middlesex, ; any State but particularly Massachusetts in USA; any descendant of the Pennyweight Flats Fosketts in Australia. In many cases a DNA test could confirm links between these and other Foskett trees, especially where assumptions have been made through lack of documentary evidence. It would also be interesting if a FORSCUTT or the English FOSGATE would consider testing, to see whether in fact they have the same root as the FOSKETTs
Another great mystery could be solved if we could get some idea of the English lineage of John Foskett of Massachusetts, born England ca 1636. There are hundreds, if not thousands of Americans who claim this John as an ancestor - are you one of them? DNA has already shown two branches of the same family in England, although the actual parentage of John is at the moment unknown.
If you have any questions about DNA and family history, please feel free to email me at the above address.
Finally, dnaheritage have set up a donations scheme. It may be that you are unable to participate for either financial restraints or because you are female and have no known living Foskett male relatives, but you are very interested in the project and its findings. The purpose of the scheme is for people to make small donations to the project in order to finance further tests. The company has started the fund off with a donation of $20.
A copy of the latest FOSKETT DNA Report, dated 2 July 2008 can be obtained from
DNA testing to establish or disprove connections between holders of the same surname have become commonplace, and a FOSKETT DNA Surname Project has been set up recently to further this research.
