A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Blackburne family of England.
Reg. 6992 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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. a fesse nebulée betw. three mullets sa., quartering NORRIS, LEVER, ASHTON, GREEN, ASPENWALL, IRELAND, HUTT, HESKETH, HOLLAND, COLUMBERS, WALTON, MERTON, BEBBINGTON, HANDFORD, PRAERS, BIRKENHEAD, HUGHESLY, DONE, KINGSLEY, and STRETCH”
LancasterOrford · Lancaster, c. 1620
Where the Blackburne Arms Were Recorded
Lancaster
Map of England showing where the Blackburne arms are recorded
The Blackburne arms were recorded in Lancaster, c. 1620.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Blackburne 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 Blackburne Family in England
The surname Blackburne is a locative name, meaning it originated from a specific geographic location rather than a profession or a personal trait. The name is derived from the Old English words "blæc," meaning black, and "burna," meaning a stream or brook. This suggests that the earliest members of the family likely lived near a dark-colored body of water, possibly one with a muddy bottom or peat-stained flow. By the early 17th century, the family had established a firm presence in Lancashire, a region in North West England known for its rolling hills and numerous waterways. Historical records confirm that members of the Blackburne family were active in this area by 1620, where they were integrated into the local community and social structures of the time. Over the following generations, the family name became deeply rooted in the history of the county, reflecting the common practice of families identifying themselves by the natural landmarks of their ancestral homes.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Blaec-burna
Old English for dark or black stream
This name
BlackburneA topographic name for someone who lived near a dark-colored stream or brook.
also spelled
Blackborn
Blackborne
Related arms
Blackbornvariant spelling
Blackbornevariant spelling
Boothrecorded with Blackburne, same area
Ellisrecorded with Blackburne, 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
Lancashire Archives, Bishop’s Transcripts of Parish Registers
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
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
