A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Blakely family of England.
Reg. 1035 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bordureA difference between branches of one family
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Ar. a lion ramp. gu. semée of trefoils or, within a bordure dovetailed of the second; quartering, az. a fesse betw. two unicorns heads erased in chief and a cross pattée in base or, for Rix”
NorfolkThorpe Hamlet · Norfolk, c. 1620
Where the Blakely Arms Were Recorded
Norfolk
Map of England showing where the Blakely arms are recorded
The Blakely arms were recorded in Norfolk, c. 1620.
Norfolk grew rich on wool and grain, and its wealth was spread among many middling families rather than a few great ones. Households of that kind bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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 Blakely 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 Norfolk.
Origin & History of the Blakely Family in England
The surname Blakely originates from Old English roots, combining the words for black and meadow or clearing. This suggests that the earliest families likely lived near a dark-colored field or a patch of woodland. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the family were well-established in the county of Norfolk, England. During this period, families in Norfolk were often deeply connected to the local agricultural economy and the growing trade industry of the region. As the seventeenth century progressed, the name became associated with the movement of people from rural English villages toward the developing colonial territories. This transition marked a significant chapter in the family history as they moved from the quiet landscapes of Norfolk to participate in the expansion of the English-speaking world.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Blaec-leah
Old English words for dark or black and a woodland clearing.
This name
BlakelyDerived from a place name referring to a dark or black colored meadow.
also spelled
Blakley
Blakleigh
Blaklay
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Norfolk Record Office, Parish Register Transcripts, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bordureA difference between branches of one family
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
bordureA difference between branches of one family
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
