About us
The Portman DNA Project
Early records of the Portmans present them as Baronets based in Somerset, a lesser branch of which later moved to Worcestershire. The senior branch of this family, based in Orchard Portman, Somerset, rose to the title of Viscount in later centuries. The details of the pedigree of the noble family of Portman can be found in the "Visitation of Somerset 1623" and also the "Visitation of Worcestershire 1683", both available and accessible for free online. An early reference within the county of Worcester, in the 16th century, makes reference to Philip Portman "retainer to the court of Mary and Edward VI".
As the project administrator, I am descended from a lesser branch of the Portman family originating in Worcesteshire, Herefordshire and probably Somerset (England, UK). Whilst my earliest confirmed and definite ancestor is John Portman of Tedstone Delamere born circa 1730s, I have found several documentary references that give significant credence to the probability that my line of Portmans are linked to the Portman's afore mentioned based in Orchard Portman, Somerset, prior to their elevation to the viscountcy.
A number of Portman's associated with my particular line also had the alias surname 'Pullhouse', so it would also be of interest to hear from any members with this surname or its variants e.g. Poolehouse, Polehouse etc.
The aim of this project is to research the Portman family, and any genealogical connections associated with this surname, or its variants e.g. Partman, Potman etc. Therefore, anyone without the above listed surnames, but with a shown Y-DNA link is very welcome to join.