A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Blanke family of England.
Reg. 5001 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
bellA call to prayer, and a warning given
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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. on a fesse az. three hawks' bells or”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Blanke Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Blanke arms are recorded
The Blanke arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried 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 England when the Blanke 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 England.
Origin & History of the Blanke Family in England
The name Blanke is rooted in the Middle High German word *blanc*, which originally described someone with fair hair, a pale complexion, or a bright appearance. As surnames began to emerge across Europe during the Middle Ages, this descriptor was used to distinguish individuals within a community. By the early 17th century, the family had established a presence in the historic city of York, England. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Blanke family were living and working in this region during a time of significant social and economic change. Their settlement in a major northern hub like York suggests they were likely integrated into the local trade or civic life of the city, contributing to the vibrant urban culture that defined the era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
blanc
Old French word meaning white or fair
This name
BlankeA descriptive nickname for someone with a pale complexion or light-colored hair
also spelled
Blanck
Blancke
Related arms
Blanckvariant spelling
Le Blancvariant spelling
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
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
bellA call to prayer, and a warning given
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
bellA call to prayer, and a warning given
