Map of England showing where the Blackledge arms are recorded
The Blackledge 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 Blackledge 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 Blackledge Family in England
The surname Blackledge is a locative name, meaning it originated from a specific geographic feature near where the first family members lived. The name is derived from the Old English words "blæc," meaning black, and "læcc," which refers to a stream or a boggy piece of land. This suggests that the earliest ancestors likely resided near a dark-colored creek or a patch of marshy ground in the northern regions of England. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Lancashire, particularly around the town of Leyland. Records from 1620 confirm that the Blackledge name was already well-rooted in this area, where members of the family were involved in the local agricultural and parish life of the region. Over time, the family spread from these rural settlements, but their history remains deeply tied to the landscape of North West England.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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)
“Sa. a chev. erm. betw. three leopards' faces or”
Irelandc. 1645
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Ireland showing where the Blackledge arms are recorded
The Blackledge arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
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.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Blackledge 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 Ireland.
Origin & History of the Blackledge Family in Ireland
The Blackledge family name has roots that stretch back to the mid-seventeenth century in Ireland, with documented evidence placing family members in Dublin by 1645. During this period, Dublin was a bustling center of trade and political transition, and families with English or Anglo-Norman origins often settled there to participate in the city's growing administrative and commercial life. The name itself is topographic in nature, likely originating from individuals who lived near a dark-colored ridge or a prominent stretch of shadowed land. As these early settlers established themselves in the capital, they became part of the complex social fabric of a city recovering from years of upheaval. Over time, the family integrated into the local community, moving from their initial arrival as newcomers to becoming a recognized part of the Dublin population. Their presence in the city records from the 1640s serves as a vital anchor point for understanding how the family navigated the challenges and opportunities of seventeenth-century Ireland.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Blaec and Lecg
Old English words for dark or black and a rocky ridge.
This name
BlackledgeA topographic name for someone who lived near a dark-colored rocky ridge or cliff.
also spelled
Blackly
Blackleigh
Blacklay
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Ekwall, Eilert. The Place-Names of Lancashire. 1922
Reaney, Percy Hide. A Dictionary of British Surnames. 1958
The National Archives, Kew. Prerogative Court of Canterbury and related Probate Jurisdictions: Will Registers
Lancashire Archives, Preston. Bishop's Transcripts of the Parish of Leyland
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
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
