A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Beighton family of England.
Reg. 7205 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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 bend ar. a greyhound courant of the first betw. two stags' head cabossed of the second”
DerbyWirksworth · Derby, c. 1620
Where the Beighton Arms Were Recorded
Derby
Map of England showing where the Beighton arms are recorded
The Beighton arms were recorded in Derby, c. 1620.
Derbyshire had lead mines in its hills and good grazing in its valleys. Both made steady money, and families who made it bought manors, which is what put their names into the heraldic 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 Beighton 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 Derby.
Origin & History of the Beighton Family in England
The surname Beighton is a locative name, meaning it originated from a specific place rather than a trade or a personal characteristic. It is derived from the Old English words "bece," which refers to a stream or a beech tree, and "tun," which denotes a farmstead or an enclosure. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in Derbyshire, England. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Beighton family were living in this region during a time of significant social and agricultural change. As the family grew, they became deeply integrated into the local community, often appearing in parish registers and legal documents that tracked the lives of common citizens. These early ancestors likely worked as farmers or tradespeople, contributing to the development of the local economy in the English Midlands.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
tun
An Old English term for an enclosure, farmstead, or village settlement.
This name
BeightonRefers to a settlement or farmstead located near a stream or river.
also spelled
Bighton
Beyton
Beigton
Related arms
Bightonvariant spelling
Carrierrecorded with Beighton, same area
Wigleyrecorded with Beighton, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Mills, A.D., A Dictionary of English Place-Names, 1991
Derbyshire Record Office, Parish Registers for the Diocese of Derby, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
