A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bracey family of England.
Reg. 7768 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
handFaith, sincerity and justice
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Sa. a bend betw. two dexter hands ar”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Bracey Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Bracey arms are recorded
The Bracey 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 Bracey 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 Bracey Family in England
The surname Bracey has deep roots that trace back to the medieval period in England. The name is believed to have originated from the Old French word bracier, which was a term used to describe a person who brewed ale or beer. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Bracey family were living and working within this northern hub during a time of significant social change. As the family settled into their community, they became part of the local fabric of York, contributing to the city's long history of trade and craftsmanship. Over the following generations, the name spread from these northern origins to other parts of the country, marking the family as a long-standing part of English history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Braci
Old French term referring to a place called Brécy in Normandy.
This name
BraceyA topographic surname denoting someone who originated from the village of Brécy in France.
also spelled
Bracy
Bracie
Related arms
Bracevariant spelling
Bracyvariant spelling
Brasseyvariant spelling
Brassyvariant 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
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
handFaith, sincerity and justice
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
handFaith, sincerity and justice
