A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Ashton family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 3637 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Ar. on a mullet sa. an annulet of the field (sometimes a canton gu.) quartering BARTON, MIDLETON, and LEVER. In fess point a crescent charged with a crescent for diff”
LancasterGreat Lever · Lancaster, c. 1562
Where the Ashton Arms Were Recorded
Lancaster
Map of England showing where the Ashton arms are recorded
The Ashton arms were recorded in Lancaster, c. 1562.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Ashton 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 Ashton Family in England
The name Ashton is a classic example of a locational surname, which means it originated from the specific places where early families lived. In Old English, the name combines the words for an ash tree and a settlement or farmstead, effectively meaning someone who lived at the farm by the ash trees. While the name appeared in various parts of England, the branch of the family established in Lancaster by 1562 reflects the common practice of families settling in growing market towns during the sixteenth century. During this period, the rise of the wool trade and local governance in Lancashire allowed families like the Ashtons to become more visible in official records. As they integrated into the local community, they helped shape the social and economic landscape of the region, transitioning from rural roots to becoming recognized members of the town’s growing population.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Ar. an ash tree on a mount base all ppr. growing through a tun or, on a chief sa. a mullet of the first”
Irelandc. 1647
Where the Ashton Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Ashton arms are recorded
The Ashton arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1647.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Ashton arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Ashton Family in Ireland
The name Ashton arrived in Ireland during a period of significant political and social upheaval in the seventeenth century. While the name is of English origin, historical records confirm that members of the Ashton family were established in Dublin by 1647. During this time, Dublin served as a central hub for administrators, military officers, and merchants who moved from England to Ireland to manage land and trade interests. These early settlers often integrated into the urban life of the city, taking on roles in local governance or commerce. As the family put down roots in the capital, they became part of the shifting demographic landscape of a country undergoing rapid change. Their presence in the city during the mid-1600s reflects the broader movement of people across the Irish Sea, marking the beginning of the family’s long-standing connection to Irish history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Aesc and tun
Old English words for ash tree and an enclosed settlement or town.
This name
AshtonRefers to a settlement or farmstead located near a grove of ash trees.
also spelled
Ashtoun
Ashtun
Related arms
Ashetonvariant spelling
Ashtownvariant spelling
Asshetonvariant spelling
Evingtonrecorded with Ashton, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Ekwall, Eilert, The Place-Names of Lancashire, 1922
The National Archives, Lancashire Quarter Sessions Records, QSF/1
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
