Map of England showing where the Blackley arms are recorded
The Blackley 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 Blackley 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 Blackley Family in England
The surname Blackley originated as a locational name, meaning it was first used to identify people who lived near a specific dark-colored meadow or clearing. In Old English, the name combines the words for black and a woodland clearing. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Lancashire. Records from 1620 show that members of the family were active in this region during a time of significant social and economic change in England. As the family grew, they became part of the local fabric of Lancashire life, likely working in the agricultural or early textile industries that defined that part of the country. This early history reflects the common pattern of families taking their names from the physical landscape of their home villages before spreading into the wider English countryside.
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
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Map of Ireland showing where the Blackley arms are recorded
The Blackley 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 Blackley 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 Blackley Family in Ireland
The history of the Blackley name in Ireland is deeply connected to the shifting landscape of seventeenth-century Dublin. While the surname is often associated with English or Scottish roots, records confirm that members of the Blackley family were well-established residents of Dublin by 1645. During this period, the city was a hub of political and social transition, and families like the Blackleys were often involved in the urban growth and trade networks that defined the capital. As the family settled into the local community, they became part of the diverse population that navigated the complex religious and economic changes of the mid-1600s. Their presence in the city archives during this time suggests they were integrated into the professional or merchant classes that helped shape the development of early modern Dublin.
Blackley Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Blaec-leah
Old English words for dark or black and a woodland clearing.
This name
BlackleyA habitational name referring to a person who lived near a dark or black-colored forest clearing.
also spelled
Blackly
Blackleigh
Blacklay
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
The National Archives, Prerogative Court of Canterbury and Related Probate Jurisdictions: Will Registers
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.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
