A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Anderton family of England.
Reg. 8146 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
buckleFidelity, and a bond firmly held
lionCourage, strength and royalty
hunting horn stringedOne who delights in the chase
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Sa. three shacklebolts ar. two and one; quartering, az. a lion ramp. guard. ar.; and vert three bugle-horns ar”
LancasterAnderton · Lancaster, c. 1620
Where the Anderton Arms Were Recorded
Lancaster
Map of England showing where the Anderton arms are recorded
The Anderton arms were recorded in Lancaster, c. 1620.
Lancashire was divided among a great many small landed families, more than most northern counties. Estates were passed down whole rather than split up, so the same names hold the same ground for centuries in the records.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Anderton arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Lancaster.
Origin & History of the Anderton Family in England
The surname Anderton is a locative name, meaning it originated from a specific place rather than a trade or a personal characteristic. It is derived from the township of Anderton, which is located in the historic county of Lancashire in Northern England. The name itself likely combines an Old English personal name with the word tun, which refers to an enclosed settlement or village. By the early 17th century, the family had firmly established itself within the region, as evidenced by records of members living in Lancaster around 1620. During this period, the family was part of the local landed gentry, often managing agricultural estates and participating in the civic life of the Lancashire area. Their history is deeply tied to the landscape of Northern England, where the family name remained concentrated for several generations as they navigated the social and economic changes of the Stuart era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ander-tun
A combination of the personal name Andrew and the Old English tun.
This name
AndertonRefers to a settlement or farmstead associated with a person named Andrew.
also spelled
Andertoun
Andertun
Related arms
Anderdonvariant spelling
Heytonrecorded with Anderton, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Ekwall, Eilert. The Place-Names of Lancashire. 1922
Farrer, William and Brownbill, John. A History of the County of Lancaster. 1906
buckleFidelity, and a bond firmly held
lionCourage, strength and royalty
hunting horn stringedOne who delights in the chase
buckleFidelity, and a bond firmly held
lionCourage, strength and royalty
hunting horn stringedOne who delights in the chase
