A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Blackett family of England.
Reg. 4137 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
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. on a chev. betw. three mullets pierced sa. as many escallops of the first”
NorthumberlandWylam · Northumberland, c. 1620
Where the Blackett Arms Were Recorded
Northumberland
Map of England showing where the Blackett arms are recorded
The Blackett arms were recorded in Northumberland, c. 1620.
Northumberland was border country facing Scotland, raided and fought over for three hundred years. Families held their land in return for defending it, and a defending household carried a shield.
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 Blackett 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 Northumberland.
Origin & History of the Blackett Family in England
The Blackett family name is deeply rooted in the rugged landscape of Northumberland, where the family established a strong presence by the early seventeenth century. The name is thought to be a descriptive nickname, likely referring to a person with dark hair or a dark complexion. During the 1600s, the family became closely tied to the region’s growing coal industry, which was the backbone of the local economy. By settling near the River Tyne, early members of the family took advantage of the expanding trade routes that moved fuel to London and other parts of England. This strategic location allowed the family to transition from local landowners into influential figures who helped shape the industrial development of Northern England. Their history reflects the broader story of Northumbrian families who built their legacy through hard work and the management of natural resources.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Blac
Old English term referring to the color black or dark.
This name
BlackettA diminutive form indicating a person with dark hair or a dark complexion.
also spelled
Blaket
Blakett
Related arms
Brownesame arms
Blaketvariant 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
Hedley, W. Percy, Northumberland Families, 1968
Northumberland Archives, Records of the Blackett Family of Matfen, Reference ZBL
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
