A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Benne family of England.
Reg. 5809 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
dragonA most valiant defender of treasure
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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. a fess dancettée gu. betw. three dragons' heads erased vert”
EnglandYeoman, c. 1568
Where the Benne Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Benne arms are recorded
The Benne arms were recorded in Yeoman, c. 1568.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried arms.
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 Benne 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 Benne Family in England
The surname Benne carries a long history rooted in the northern regions of England. By the year 1568, records confirm that members of the Benne family were established residents of York. During this era, the name likely functioned as a patronymic or a nickname derived from the medieval given name Ben, which was a common short form of Benedict. Living in a major hub like York suggests that early ancestors were likely involved in the city’s thriving trade, craft guilds, or local administration. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of Yorkshire, contributing to the local economy and community life during the late Tudor period. This early presence in such a significant historical city highlights the family's deep connection to the development of northern English society.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Benedictus
Latin term meaning blessed or well spoken of.
This name
BenneA medieval diminutive form of Benedict, indicating a person who is blessed or fortunate.
also spelled
Ben
Related arms
Benvariant spelling
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
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 1568
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
dragonA most valiant defender of treasure
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
dragonA most valiant defender of treasure
