A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Brereton family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 2427 · Britain, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. à deux fasces de sa. Cq. cour. C.: une tête d'ours au nat. S.: à dextre un ours de sa., emmuselé de gu.; à sen. un lévrier d'arg., coll. d'azur.”
CheshireCheshire, c. 1624
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Map of Britain showing where the Brereton arms are recorded
The Brereton arms were recorded in Cheshire, c. 1624.
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 Britain in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in Britain when the Brereton arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
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 Cheshire.
Origin & History of the Brereton Family in Britain
The surname Brereton originates from the county of Cheshire in North West England, where it is derived from a specific place name meaning a farmstead located near a briar patch. By the early 17th century, the family was well established in this region, with records confirming their presence in Cheshire by 1624. The family gained significant local influence during the medieval and early modern periods, often serving as prominent landowners and administrators who helped shape the governance of the county. As the family grew, members spread from their ancestral lands into other parts of Britain, carrying the name into various professional and social spheres. Their history is deeply tied to the development of rural Cheshire, reflecting the broader patterns of land ownership and social mobility that defined the lives of gentry families in England during the Stuart era.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
fretPersuasion, and the net that holds
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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. fretty gu. on a chief or, crusily of the second a lion ramp. of the last”
DevonshireDevonshire, c. 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of England showing where the Brereton arms are recorded
The Brereton arms were recorded in Devonshire, c. 1620.
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 Britain when the Brereton 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 Devonshire.
Origin & History of the Brereton Family in England
The family name Brereton originates from the ancient county of Cheshire in England, where it was first recorded as a locational surname derived from the Old English words for "briar" and "settlement." By the early seventeenth century, members of the family had expanded their reach across the country, including a notable presence in the coastal county of Devonshire by 1620. During this era, families often moved to follow new economic opportunities or to serve in local government and trade roles. As the family settled in these new regions, they integrated into the local community while maintaining the historical identity associated with their northern roots. This movement reflects the broader patterns of migration within England during the Stuart period, as families sought to establish themselves in emerging maritime and agricultural hubs.
Brereton Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Brer-tun
Old English for briar or bramble and an enclosed settlement or town.
This name
BreretonRefers to a settlement located near a patch of briars or thorny thickets.
also spelled
Breretonn
Breretonne
Brerton
Breerton
Related arms
Breertonvariant spelling
Breretovariant spelling
Stanleyrecorded with Brereton, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Crosby, A. G., A History of Cheshire, 1996
Ormerod, G., The History of the County Palatine and City of Chester, 1819
The National Archives, Cheshire Archives and Local Studies: Records of the Brereton Family of Brereton, DBR
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
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
fretPersuasion, and the net that holds
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty