A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bankes family of England.
Reg. 9044 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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. on a cross or, betw. four fleurs-de-lis ar. five ogresses”
EnglandLondon, c. 1568
Where the Bankes Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Bankes arms are recorded
The Bankes arms were recorded in London, c. 1568.
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 Bankes 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 England.
Origin & History of the Bankes Family in England
The surname Bankes is a locative name, meaning it originally identified people who lived near a prominent riverbank or a steep slope. By the time the family was firmly established in London in 1568, the name had already evolved from its descriptive roots into a stable hereditary surname. During the sixteenth century, members of the Bankes family were active participants in the growing commercial life of the city. They often worked as merchants or tradesmen, taking advantage of the bustling trade along the River Thames. As the family grew in influence, they became deeply integrated into the social and professional networks of the capital, moving from simple land-based identification to becoming recognized citizens of London.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bank
A ridge of earth or the edge of a river.
This name
BankesA topographical surname referring to someone who lived near a riverbank or ridge.
also spelled
Banks
Banckes
Bancks
Related arms
Bancksvariant spelling
Banksvariant spelling
I'Ansonrecorded with Bankes, same area
Stanhoperecorded with Bankes, 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
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
The National Archives, Prerogative Court of Canterbury wills, 1384–1858, PROB 11
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
cross symbolChristian faith and service
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
