A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bladen family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 2420 · Irish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
masclePersuasion and the mail of a knight's coat
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Or, three mascles in fess fleury gu. on a canton az. a chev. of the first”
Irelandc. 1663
Where the Bladen Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Bladen arms are recorded
The Bladen arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1663.
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 II of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles II of England
1660–1685
Reigning in Ireland when the Bladen 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 Bladen Family in Ireland
The Bladen family established a notable presence in Ireland by the mid-seventeenth century, with records confirming their residence in Dublin as early as 1663. During this period, the family became integrated into the administrative and social fabric of the city, often serving in roles that supported the growing colonial government. The name itself is of English origin, likely derived from a place name in the northern counties of England, suggesting that the family arrived in Ireland as part of the broader movement of settlers during the seventeenth century. As they settled in Dublin, members of the family moved into professional and civic spheres, helping to solidify their status within the urban landscape. Their early history in Ireland reflects the experiences of many families who relocated during this era of political transition, as they transitioned from newcomers to established residents of the capital.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Gu. three chev. ar”
SomersetGlastonbury · Somerset, c. 1620
Where the Bladen Arms Were Recorded
Somerset
Map of England showing where the Bladen arms are recorded
The Bladen arms were recorded in Somerset, c. 1620.
Somerset was rich farming country with a thick scattering of manor houses. Its gentry were numerous and long-settled, and a settled landed family almost always ended up with arms.
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 Ireland when the Bladen 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 Somerset.
Origin & History of the Bladen Family in England
The surname Bladen is rooted in the landscape of medieval England, likely originating as a topographic name for people who lived near a specific clearing or a place known as a "blade." By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Somerset. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Bladen family were active in this region during a time of significant social and agricultural change. As the family settled into the local communities of the West Country, they became part of the fabric of rural English life. Their history reflects the broader patterns of migration and settlement that defined many English families during the Stuart period. Over time, the name became linked to the distinct traditions and regional identity of the Somerset area, marking the family as long-standing residents of the English countryside.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Blaidd
A Welsh term meaning wolf.
This name
BladenDerived from a place name meaning wolf valley or wolf hill.
also spelled
Bladin
Bladon
Blaydene
Related arms
Reevesrecorded with Bladen, same area
Winterheyrecorded with Bladen, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
National Archives of Ireland, Calendar of the State Papers, Ireland, 1660–1665
Firth, C.H., The Clarke Papers, 1891
Lodge, John, The Peerage of Ireland, 1789
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
masclePersuasion and the mail of a knight's coat
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
masclePersuasion and the mail of a knight's coat
