A series of photographs combined together to produce a single image of the Jermy Roller Pedigree, which is made up of a number of sheets of vellum stitched together to form a continuous roll about 27cm wide and 2.8m long.

The pedigree probably represents the most valuable document still in existence that originated from the old Jermy family of Norfolk. The other family documents were probably lost or destroyed after the death of William Jermy in 1752. It was probably made around 1700 for John Jermy of Bayfield, the father of William, and it traces the Jermy family back to Sir William Jermy, knight, who was alive in 1221. His son Sir John Jermy, knight, supposedly married Margery, the second daughter of Roger Bigod, the Earl Marshall of England - although there is some doubt nowadays as to who she was, or whether she actually existed.

The roller pedigree was in the possession of Isaac Preston-Jermy of Stanfield Hall when he was murdered in 1848. It passed to his grand daughter's husband, Major Reginald Preston Jermy Gwyn, and then to his son Brigadier Philip E C Jermy Gwyn. Brigadier Gwyn donated the document to Stewart Valdar in 1958, who more recently donated it to myself. The document has since been given to the Norfolk Record Office.

The document most certainly is not the product of a professional pedigree artist, but more likely the work of an amateur. It would appear that some of the paints used reacted with the vellum, leaving a number of stains on some of the coats of arms.

Comments on the pedigree made by John Goodall of the British Museum, are that it is an amateur effort, artistically and genealogically, the latter since the earlier arms are supplied and the gaps appear later (instead of the reverse). Early 18th century, although the style and development are reminiscent of the 17th century and early pedigrees. The later sections are more worn (by reference?) than the earlier.