Map of England showing where the Benson arms are recorded
The Benson arms were recorded in Lancaster, c. 1546.
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.
Henry VIII of England
Sovereign of the period
Henry VIII of England
1509–1547
Reigning in England when the Benson 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 Benson Family in England
The surname Benson originated in England as a patronymic name, which means it was created to identify a person as the son of someone named Ben. This name was typically a shortened version of Benedict, a popular choice during the Middle Ages. By the mid-sixteenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the northern county of Lancashire. Records from 1546 confirm that members of the Benson family were living in this region during the reign of King Henry VIII. At that time, families often settled in specific rural areas where they worked as farmers or tradespeople. Over many generations, these early ancestors helped shape the local community and contributed to the growth of the population in northern England. As the family expanded, they moved into different towns and cities, carrying their name across the country and eventually helping it become a common fixture in English history.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cinquefoilHope and joy
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Az. a chev. betw. six cinquefoils or”
DublinDublin, c. 1714
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Map of Ireland showing where the Benson arms are recorded
The Benson arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1714.
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.
Anne of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
Anne of Great Britain
1707–1714
Reigning in England when the Benson 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 Dublin.
Origin & History of the Benson Family in Ireland
The surname Benson has a distinct history in Ireland, particularly within the urban landscape of Dublin. By the early eighteenth century, the family was well established in the city, with records confirming their presence there as early as 1714. While the name itself is of English origin, meaning son of Ben, those who settled in Ireland often integrated into the professional and merchant classes of the capital. During this period, Dublin was a thriving center of trade and administration, and families like the Bensons frequently contributed to the growth of the city through their work in local businesses and civic life. Over time, these early settlers became a permanent part of the Irish social fabric, moving beyond their initial roles as newcomers to become deeply rooted members of the Dublin community.
Benson Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Benedictus
Latin word meaning blessed or well spoken of.
This name
BensonA patronymic surname meaning son of Ben, a diminutive form of Benjamin or Benedict.
also spelled
Bensson
Bensonh
Bensone
Bensoun
Related arms
Benzonvariant 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
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
The National Archives, Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 21 Part 1: January-August 1546
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
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cinquefoilHope and joy
